The answer? Very, very carefully.
Today we enjoyed the Walk With The Elephants at the Elephant Sactuary at Hartbeesport Dam, South Africa. I'm not a fan of wild animals behind enclosures but this is an enclosure with a difference. At the moment they have five elephants but have had up to twelve. This sanctuary provides an up close and personal (a bit too personal in my case) experience with rescued elephants who, if they were left in the wild, would have been killed. They have been recued from poachers or from elephant-human conflict in villages. So, instead of being dead these elephants live a protected life in which they are cared for and they help to educate the public. They also contribute their share of excitement and humour.
The visit began with a guide presenting a talk - with props - about elephant behaviour and anatomy. When he arrived at the part describing the enormous size of the elephant's 'snot box' (sinuses) I should have listened to the little warning light that clicked on in my mind. However, being enthralled by the whole 'up close and personal' thing I just proceeded in my usual Pollyanna way. I was ready (I thought) for the encounter.
Observing the elphants up so close was amazing. These rescued elephants are not even full size yet but still have a massive size and incredible power. We watched as one of them actually climbed the fence, placed one leg over the other side, and then start pulling leaves off a tree and eating them. Over time these rescued elephants have become used to human contact and are wonderful ambassadors for their kin. I was really pleased to see that the handlers avoided having the animals do any 'entertaining' tricks.
As a group we all waited under a veranda while each person had their time with an elephant. My first encounter was with Kubu, a very large, trunk swinging, dusty female. The texture of her skin was like textured leather with red dust caught in the skin folds and crevices. The trunk is actually very large and I was lucky that she was tolerant of me giving it a big hug. Kubu even allowed me to examine her tail up close. It is much like a thick, flexible leather rod with long, coarse hairs protruding from near the end. That first encounter was so amazing that my guard was down when it came to 'kissing time'.
We had been warned but I don't think any of us took the warning too seriously. And of course in any group there is a lucky one - the person who gets to experience the unusual event. So off I trotted to elephant Timba to get my 'kiss'. The idea was that the elephant would plant a big one on the side of the face and latch on for a moment. Hmm; funny how animals often have ideas other than what we expect. Before I could blink I was kissed allright. Timba blew a huge snort of elephant snot onto my nose and lips, forcing a signficant amount into my mouth and lungs. E-ew!!!! And before my brain could even register that I was filled with a disgusting nasal fluid he latched his trunk onto the side of my face for the actual 'kiss'. Elephant snot is neither delicious or refreshing.
After much coughing, heaving and then face and mouth washing I still could taste the 'kiss' and some of it's remnants continued to rattle in my lungs. More heaving and rinsing. Then, after three breath mints, a small bag of chips and a cappucino I finally was able to breath clearly and be rid of most of the taste. But the effects lasted a while. I must admit that no kiss ever in my past left me that affected and breathless and hour later. Thank goodness. Luckily I have a rather warped sense of humour and managed to see the funny side of this 'kiss' just as soon as I could breath again. And it does make for a good travel story.
Our final encounter with the elephants was a walk, trunk in hand, or so I thought. We actually held onto the trunk by placing our fingers inside it and holding on. So now I had to put my hand into the same trunk that had lubricated my face and mouth. Actually the sensation was interesting. The inside of an elephant's trunk is thick and fleshy with a spongy texture. Nice in an icky sort of way. But of course my elephant was Timba again. And Timba decided to add insult to injury. In the middle of our walk he stopped, with all his boy parts very visible, and relieved himself from both places. Charming, but also very funny. That done, we continued our walk.
My time at the elephant sanctuary was interesting, surprising and funny. I remain in awe of these massive beasts and their beauty. And that trunk. What a useful appendage it is. Just think, one body part for eating, drinking, breathing and showering. And, of course, snorting into the faces of unsuspecting tourists.
www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
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