In the Heart of the Herd

By Russell - 1 week intern

Animals have always been a part of my life. I’ve helped them, rescued them, and cared for them — but this past week, I experienced how an animal can shape not only your future, but your whole life.

Deep in the Thai mountains, I spent time interning for Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, living with the Karen tribe in Ban Naklang village. During this time, we researched and studied the behaviours of semi-wild elephants who were rescued from captivity, with the goal of understanding the differences between semi-wild, captive, and truly wild elephants.

Our time with the tribe and this amazing research base was short but filled with magical, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including observing elephants in their natural habitat, listening to local stories, and speaking with the mahouts — the caretakers of each elephant.

While talking to one of the mahouts, I was struck by the bond between mahout and elephant, as well as the bond they share with each other. I asked questions such as: Are you ever scared, knowing this work can be dangerous? Do you feel honoured?
One answer stayed with me: the mahouts often choose to sleep next to their elephants rather than go home at night. They spend entire days following them, making sure they are safe and out of trouble. The bond between mahout and elephant is stronger than family — these elephants are part of who they are, and without each other, they are incomplete.

Mahouts also spend time with the other elephants, living together as one herd. They know what the elephants are thinking; they sing to them, talk to them, eat with them. They are always together.

Being a mahout is not just a job — it is a way of life. Some people choose to become monks or live on boats; others choose to be mahouts. Risky or not, it is what they commit themselves to.

I am honoured to have witnessed these bonds first-hand, and honoured to have seen what it truly means to be part of an animal’s world.