150,000 Reasons to Fall in Love with Elephants

By Alexandra - 1 week intern

Da blue ! Do you know how many muscles do the elephants have in their trunks? 50 000! That’s really impressive, but wait. Do you know how many muscles do they have in their entire body? 150 000. That’s 250 times more than humans! At the Kindred Spirit Elephants Sanctuary internship we learn about the elephants but not at all.

When I was looking for a sanctuary, I wasn’t expecting that. Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary is in Ban Naklang, a Karen village of 200 inhabitants. During my week there, I learned about Karen people, their traditions, culture, language and cuisine (they cook very well, Da blue Jadee). I also learned about their relationship with the environment and the elephants. The mahouts take care for them every day to give them the best chance of regaining as much freedom as possible.

It was truly a beautiful experience to see these kind animals in their own habitat and to have the opportunity to photograph them every morning. Is there a better way to start the day ? 

Otherwise, the KSES internship is also a good way to meet cool and sweet people, pet a lot of cute dogs and spend time in a peaceful place. KSES will always have a place in my heart <3