Things in life worth doing, are rarely easy

By Aubrey - 1 week intern

The week with my teenage daughter at Kindred Elephant Sanctuary in northern Thailand was a unique experience that will forever remain deeply embedded in my memory. It was not easy, but things in life worth doing rarely are; Those requiring hot showers, embroidered towels, and paved walking paths would find this experience understandably challenging. But what you gain instead is a unique, educational, and truly ‘horizon-widening’ adventure in a remote, lush, culture-rich corner of the world. Reminding me somewhat of Costa Rican cloud forests or deep northern Guatemalan jungles, the remote valley seemed barely tethered to the same planet I had known. Early roosters, Karen family conversations over night fires, hushed rain tapping and dripping. 

The sanctuary staff were dedicated, knowledgeable, and possessed the type of infectious energy needed to change the world of both people and elephants. I was struck by how nuanced the project’s approach was within the community; well informed and genuine sensitivity to local customs, beliefs, and realities. The language sessions and other activities were meaningful and provided insights few short-term visitors could otherwise experience. 

Steep hills of alternating forest, corn fields, and  rice patties were the backdrop for morning hikes to the elephants. Quieter and more nimble than I anticipated, the elephants were clearly at home in these hills. They were lumbering and heavy, yet poised and fast to find a new patch of bamboo, or to chase after the curious youth as he wandered too far. Sitting on the hills watching was a reverent privilege.