Day 2: SA + Elephant & Monkey Sanctuaries
Today’s tidbit: “Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. ” ― César Chávez
Amazing Heia Safari Ranch visit (part 1 & part 2) where my mom and I stayed for 2 nights was on the blog last week. Flying in to Johannesburg early (before starting our 2 week group tour) the first few days we arranged a private tour with Dornbrack Travel. I can’t say enough good things about them and the experiences we shared. I have continued to keep in touch and look forward to visiting again soon! The second day Brenda Dornbrack and her daughter Tanneth, picked us up as Heia and we headed to an Elephant Sanctuary and then a Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
Sneak peek images:
Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!
The bushbabies sanctuary is one of several sanctuaries in a group of sanctuaries, including the elephant sanctuary that provides for orphaned and abused animals.
{Elephant Sanctuary}
Information, introduction & interation. We started with the Elephant Sanctuary, where we were guided in small groups and given information and insight into African elephants. We were introduced to their elephants and were able to touch and interact with them. As the website states, we did see the special relationship that the elephant handlers share with the elephants. You could tell they were passionate and loved what they did.
{picture below) Getting elephant kisses (5 to be exact)! I had no idea what to expect but he literally sucks your cheek (it didn’t hurt at all). I will have to get the picture from my moms camera, but that side of my face was brown! It was such a weird but special feeling.
After learning more about the elephants and meeting them, we were able to walk trunk-in-hand. Amazing!
Feeding. After learning about elephant anatomy, interacting with and walking with them we were able to feed them. This big guy could easily break the smaller fences so he was put further back from the others for part of the day. None of the elephants were stuck in these areas, but rather were put there for the guided tours so we would be able to interact and see them.
After that excitement we enjoyed a delicious, fresh lunch. I love the architecture and roofs here.
Taken yards away from where we ate lunch. While we were eating, there were elephants very close to us enjoying the afternoon. First I spotted one taking a mud bath and then two playing and interacting. Let’s just say I didn’t eat much and stood there snapping away.
The pictures below are definitely some of my ultimate favorites! It was SO special to watch and capture. I can’t describe it.
Eeeeeeee! I mean amazing right?!
One thing I wasn’t able to do was ride them. As much as I wanted to I had told myself the beginning of the trip if any looked to be in bad shape or forced I wouldn’t do it. Here, that was not the case! Instead these elephants have come from all over Africa, either from zoos or were saved from abuse. They are rehabilitated and learn to form a new herd and build relationships with the handlers. It really is special. Because of that though, they can’t guarantee Elephant Back Riding like some places. They aren’t forced or beaten, but instead still have personality and a mind of their own. It depends day to day what mood the elephants are in whether you can ride or not. So, as much as I wanted to I appreciated and loved this mentality and how they treat the animals! It is SO important. I know I will be back again and will get another opportunity to ride.
{Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary}
And if that wasn’t enough for an afternoon, onto the Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary! For this I only brought my little camera in, being warned by Brenda that the monkeys come up to you and there is a particular naughty guy who has taken a lot of objects from people. I didn’t want to risk anything happening to my DSLR.
Like with the Elephant Sanctuary, here all of these monkeys were rescued. It is situated alongside the Elephant sanctuary which provides an environment where monkeys can be given their freedom in a natural environment. As their website states, “Besides the beautiful setting and educational experience the Sanctuary provides an insightful experience into the geological history of the area with a beautiful view of the Bushveld from atop its property.”
{pictures below} We found the naughty guy who followed us around. Like most of the monkeys they’ve rescued, he used to be someones pet. The sanctuary is trying to give them freedom again in their natural environment. He has only been there for a few months and is still much more interested in the people than monkey friends. He was fascinated with the german couple in our group, as you can see below. It made for some great pictures!
Some others spotted along our walk.
And that was a full packed Thursday… and I loved every second! More posts coming soon.
Ok, so much to say. Love those elephants – I can hear them and feel the ground shake… that’s how amazing they were. I loved it. And they look so happy and carefree! Will any zoo be good enough for you after this trip! Love all the close-up shots, gives you a feeling like you are really experiencing it. Thanks so much — your posts really make my day – and those monkeys are so darn cute!!!
Lindsey, this is exactly what I was hoping for with my posts 🙂 I want to share the amazing adventures I had and I hope others will really feel like they are experiencing it and will touch you in a new way. It is truly an amazing country and I am so excited to share what I saw/learned/felt/experienced! And you know me, I was in photography and animal heaven!
I have never really liked zoos (don’t get my started on the circus) but after this, no comparison! Animals deserve to be in their natural environment. To be happy and carefree, like you said. It’s just an amazing place.
“Oh the places we will go, you and I….”
Feels like I’m right back there with you and the critters. Great shots! Elephant love is sweet. I’ll share my pics soon so you can have even more to post/sort through…
Looking forward to your next post….
Love the elephants playing and the curious little monkey! Definitely not like a zoo, and so amazing to see them this way! Really great shots sissy.
You are correct, definitely not like a zoo. This is how it should be, amazing right?
Elephant kisses, I remember when you mentioned those! Very cute. You got such a good photo when these elephants were twisting their trunks around each other and touching tip to tip!
It’s great to see a place that actually takes care of the animals. Too many times you encounter the cruelty you mentioned.
That bridge looks super scary!
Thank you! Yes it was great to see places like this exist and the animals are at peace. I was in photography heaven.
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