Where Elephants Roam Free

By Zoe - week intern

In March/ April, I was blessed with the opportunity to be an intern at KSES for one week. 

During my third Elehike at the sanctuary, we were searching for Too Meh and Mae Doom. We were walking along the road when I looked up and there was Mae Doom standing in the middle of the field. I was taken a back, as last time I sae Mae Doom she was hiding well in the forest. As we observed Mae Doom and Too Meh, they slowing moved across the field to forage. They ended up in an area next to a fence, allowing us to be closer than usual on the other side of the fence. Both elephants were so calm, focused on foraging. I was overwhelmed by how lucky I was to observe these individuals so closely in their natural habitat, what a rare opportunity!

But it wasn’t just the elephants that made my experience so special. Getting to know the Karen people in the village, and experience village life was such a valuable experience. I really enjoyed watching the local women hand making beautiful clothes and bags, speaking to retired mahouts, and eating home cooked meals with other KSES staff. 

I will always be grateful for my week at KSES. It is so satisfying being apart of a project that is making positive change, actively working towards a better life for elephants in Thailand. Thank you KSES <3