Gentle Giants

The four and half days spent at Elephant Nature Park can easily be described as the most humbling and inspiring days of my life. The atmosphere created from the workers, volunteers, and even the animals made me feel right at home. Our guides Apple and Bas were also spectacular at welcoming everyone with open arms and hearts and trusting that we were there to fully immerse ourselves into the project.

What Founder, Lek Chailert, has been able to accomplish at the sanctuary is beyond indescribable. The heart, drive and sacrifice it takes to successfully run such an inspiring organization doesn't seem possible at many times. Although, with the help of other it makes the impossible seem possible and that was where we, as Pacific Discovery, came in.

On our first day Apple gave us a little insight on some elephants history as well as general information about the park and the reasons for why it started. Right away, the passion she had only made me realize how important we were there, which made all the work worth while. From unloading actual tons of watermelon and pineapple, to replanting grass for animal relocation, and even to shoveling elephant poop, what we were doing was necessary for the sanctuary's survival. Knowing that everything we did has a purpose and positive impact on their community really changed the way I viewed service work, and for the better.

The constant flood of emotions was also something new for me. Hearing the heartbreaking stories but seeing these amazing creatures triumphant recovery was more rewarding than imagined. Some still suffer from major injuries but their new environment and family made it easier for them to cope.

Lek has said that it's not our fault that we were blind to this torture, it's just our lack of knowledge. Our voice is so important for these animals futures and I only hope that we can continue to spread the word and make the Earth a better and more peaceful place for everyone and everything on it.

Check out www.elephantnaturepark.org for more information about this incredible project!

- Gillian Flanagan