Day 2 - Elephant Park - Cleaning deck and Kitchen

Our day normally starts with a look at the elephants which are around us as we have our breakfast

(L - We talk to the elephants!!)

(R - the edge of the main deck where the elephants come to feed)


We have been divided into 5 teams (there are a total of 41 volunteers here at the moment) and twice a day we assemble to hear the duties that we have been allotted for the morning or afternoon.

(L - we assemble for instructions)

(R - Our detail is to clean up the edge of the deck - which involves watering it down, sprinkling soap powder on the surface, and then a brisk broom followed by water to wash it all off again - this is where the elephants feed, and they are rather messy).

(L - The elbow grease and the soap powder goes in)

(R - With a water finish off)




(L - A pumpkin truck has delivered a load of vegetables, and they need to be washed to remove any traces of insecticide)

(R - then they are chopped insto smaller pieces - although I am not quite sure why, as I have seen a number of elephants with whole pumpkins in their trunks and mouths)

(L - A load of watermelons - much smaller than ours - has also arrived, and they need to be washed and cleaned also)

(R - Each elephant - there are 36 at the moment - have their own basket of food)


(L - Next it is on to the banana sorting - to separate the ripe and yellow ones - these are sometimes given whole, or other times mashed up into balls and mixed with medicines.

(R - In the banana racks)



(L - Our group is then sent off to clean out the elephant water tanks they have for drinks during the night. Elephants sleep lying down, but normally only sleep for about 4 hours a night)

(R - the water tanks need to be drained and then scrubbed with brooms and brushes, and it is easier to get in the tank)

(L - There is always a supervisor watching over)



(R - Every day at 1pm is bath time for the elephants - and also the day visitors!!)


(L - This walk way runs out into the main area, and you can walk out here for a better view, whilst the elephants walk underneath)

(R - Part of the main building, which includes my room, amongst the trees, where I have a wonderful view out each morning)



(L - The elephant hospital where those with injuries are treated)