We had a leisurely morning and overall a slower day than the last couple of days, which was fine with all of us. We drove up north of Chiang Mai…
We had a leisurely morning and overall a slower day than the last couple of days, which was fine with all of us. We drove up north of Chiang Mai to a few places. Our first stop was an elephant sanctuary where we were able to do a few activities with the elephants. First, we were able to observe and pet some of them. Then we made a healthy snack for them to eat and moved through the sanctuary feeding the 14 elephants they had there. Finally, Tari opted to take a bath with an elephant. The rest of us chose to stay dry and enjoy the show.
Elephant carrying bamboo shoots in sanctuary.Information about the food we prepared and gave to the elephants.
Making a rice bowl was the first step in the food preparation.
Brian with older female elephant.I am realizing that my bowl of rice is not going to be as neat and tidy as Tari’s. Luckily the elephants didn’t care.
Tari with the same elephant. She is dressed up to help bathe an elephant later.All ready to feed the elephants! The basket had a rice ball with salt in it to encourage elephants to drink and tamarind for healthy digestion. It also had a second ball of tamarind, salt, cumin, and one other ingredient I don’t remember. This helps with bloating and digestion. Finally, the basket had bananas and ears of corn.
Tak getting a hug from elephant after giving it a banana.The group with two of the elephants. They are Asian elephants. You can tell from their smaller size and smaller ears.
Brian getting a hug.Tari walking her elephant to the stream for a bath.
Kate getting a hug.Tari pouring water on and scrubbing the elephant in a stream. The elephant, and Tari, absolutely loved it.
Tari getting a hug and a kiss from two elephants.Tari getting a spray from the elephant thanking her for the nice cool bath.
I also took a couple videos when Tari was bathing the elephant. I am linking them to YouTube to save memory here on the blog. Here are the links: Elephant bath video 1 Elephant bath video 2
We then went to a tiger sanctuary to see and pet tigers! These tigers have been born and bred in captivity so have some comfort with humans. However, we were given specific instructions on how to approach and touch the tigers which was greatly appreciated by all of us. They are magnificent creatures and very intimidating to be around. But, it was an amazing experience.
Tiger settling down as Tari is ready for her picture. The tiger was awaken from a nap so was a little grouchy.Kate with the tiger. I think she was a little more comfortable than we were.
Tari and the tiger. The tigers were given bamboo leaves to chew on to distract them. The leaves are also good fiber for their digestion.
Tari and Brian with the tiger.The tiger decided it was time for a nap again when I was with it. The trainer had to encourage her to sit back up.
Giving a thumbs up about being with the tiger. I was a little apprehensive but the tigers were great. Felt safe the entire time. I did touch the tiger as well.There were two tigers in the enclosure we were in. This male was resting in the pool while we took pictures with the other one. He was happy to come take a picture with us before we left. If I remember right, these two were siblings but I may not have that correct. I also think they were five or six years old.
Dinner was a treat because we were able to meet my cousin Sarah’s daughter, Mitike, here in Chiang Mai for the evening. Mitike is here doing a summer class at the University of Chiang Mai. She is enjoying her time here and is taking classes in speaking Thai and Public Health. During most of the year she is studying at the University of New Mexico where she is studying to be a nurse practitioner. It was so fun to see her. After dinner we went to the Chiang Mai Night Safari where we were able to watch a jaguar dive for food, watch a light show with water, and go on a couple of safaris where they would spotlight animals to view in their enclosures as we rode a tram. Mitike came with us.
Small deer on rocks. Missed their name…safari moved pretty quickly and tough to get pictures in dark.Barbary sheep on the rocks
Dinner with Tak, Kate, Mitike, Tari, and myself. I was very honored to spend time with all of them.
Mitike and Night Safari
Zebras! We saw lots of animals but it was difficult to get decent pictures since it was dark, there were shadows, and the tram was moving.The group at the Night Safari! We decided to do the Night Safari at the last minute and missed some of the shows we could have see, but still had a good time.
At the Night Safari. Quality of the picture isn’t too great because it was a little dark.
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