On the last day at Kwa Madwala I had a chance to interact with two tamed elephants. Due to the overcast weather the female elephant was not interested in interacting, which we could understand – it was cold and wet! The male elephant ‘Tswale’ was still in good spirits however and we had a chance to get up close and personal with this magnificent animal. The elephant interaction tour promises an:
Introduction to the elephants which includes a brief talk on their history as well as an explanation on the training concepts that are used and some games that are played to demonstrate smell and memory. The elephants are asked to lie down and guests can then have the opportunity to touch and feel them from head to toe.
I have never had an opportunity to get this close to an elephant. It was a really special experience, which I will not soon forget. More information on the elephants and the experience here.
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- Elephant front foot
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- Male elephant about 20 years old
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- Elephant snout
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- The other end
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- Reaching up for treats
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- Elephants mouth
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- Elephant hind legs
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- Elephant tail
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- Posing with the elephant!
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- Sitting elephant
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- Elephant kneeling
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- Tail
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- Elephant feet!
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- The eye of the elephant!
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- Elephant close up
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- Peering into the elephants mouth!
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- Close up of the snout
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- Neat, doing tricks!
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- Roadblock!
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- Male kudu having a drink on the road
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<3 Elephants – what an opportunity you had!