Northern Thailand and the Elephants

One can't come to Thailand and not experience the life of the elephant. The elephant is a cherished animal in Thailand. They are protected against poaching and valued as a magical animal. Each elephant has a caretaker - called a "mahout" in this part of the world (and India). Each mahout is familiar with his particular elephant and each elephant can easily recognize his own mahout. Elephants are easily trained and become quite helpful giants in bulding, moving and hauling. The mahout then becomes a caretaker and custodian to his elephants best interests. I was lucky enough to get to the elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand where I got to spend time feeding a brand new baby some bananas and catch the life of the mahout and his charge in action. I cought some great shots of bathtime. They really do know how to have some fun as they splash water all over themselves and dousing their mahout in the process. They really are an amazing animal and so fun to see in action.