All Our Bags Are Packed!

Blog # 13 - Sri Lanka - Rural Areas 

  We traveled three hours on a bus to see an elephant orphanage and

we had no idea what to expect. While barely entering a small village-like area...
It was startling to see a "parade" of elephants coming toward us. Chains are only on the teenage boys because they can get a little rambunctious, as teenagers can be at that age.

It was unnerving to be so close to these "proboscideas" and not know what to expect. Elephants are brought to this area when they are injured. They often receive lengthy medical care and typically remain in this facility. A baby elephant wandered in the wild and had a foot get caught in a trap meant for another animal. The baby had to have part of a leg removed and fitted with an artificial limb. The baby is now an adult and is having difficulties with its new (larger) leg.

Watch out where you walk!

Can you believe this? It's true!

        The elephants come to this river in shifts to bathe and cool off

Ahhh...this is the life!

There was so much to see. We could have spent more time to watch the elephant's behavior and actions
Baby elephants try to navigate the rocks in order to cross the river and get to the other side

                    Greener pastures are always on the other side

                                          Showing an interest

Perhaps the best part of the day was to watch two elephants in an

 loving  relationship

Nearby was a "feeding" area and sleeping quarters. Although there was a "viewing stand," it is possible for visitors to walk closer to the elephants. This one decided to check out the visitors - got to close - a handler had to shoe this one away.

         It was fun watching the baby elephant explore and play

A very rare occurrence: Twins happened to be born at this facility. They are about two years old. Under normal circumstances, in the wild one of the twins would probably not survive - feeding issues as well as predators. Mommy and aunty watching over the little ones

This was a wonderful day!

Another rare situation. Only 5% of male Asian elephants grow tusks. Typically, elephants with tusks will end up "the leader" should there be a fight with another male without tusks. Also, male elephants ready for mating will be chased out of the group to search for another group and mate. Too much inbreeding creates gene pool issues.

Nothing like a "King" coconut to quench the thirst

 Elephants crossing the street as our bus started to leave the compound