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

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.