After many rain delays over the last week I finally managed to make it to the Elephant Sanctuary near Hazyview. I was very excited with the thought of actually touching these majestic animals and spending some time learning more about the work done at the sanctuary.
On Monday I headed straight for the sanctuary and arrived early enough to have some coffee. Your arrival at the sanctuary is greeted by a loud cacophany of croaks and burps coming from the pond surrounding the reception area, as hundreds upon hundreds of frogs vie for the attention of the females. Andre was leaving for their sister sanctuary in Hartebeespoort Dam, but left me in the capable hands of the staff, who were very friendly and helpful.
After some much needed coffee to settle the nerves, five of us set out on the tour, guided by the very knowledgable Shepard. We learnt everything about the animals, from their natural habits right through to a detailed analysis of their anatomy. I could see the anticipation on everyone’s faces each time they heard the sound of the Elephants somewhere from the bush around us.
Eventually we made our way to a clearing in thick forest and chatted to Shepard while waiting for the two Elephants Khitso and Casper to arrive. We only became aware of the large animals once they were but a few meters from us. So quiet were they! Khitso is the smaller and younger of the two males with Molefe as his handler and Casper is taken care of by his handler Moyo. Both Khitso and Casper are previously from the Kruger National Park where Casper in particular had a horrid time as he was scheduled for culling, before being rescued by a family from Namibia. Finally he became to much of a handful as he matured and again was scheduled to be shot before being rescued and eventually made his way to the sanctuary at Hazyview.
Finally the opportunity had arrived! I went over to Moyo and Casper and was expertly told about the various aspects of Casper’s anatomy and I touched each body part in affirmation of the facts that were rolling off Moyo’s tongue. These guys are true experts and their respectful relationship is a wonder to behold. I felt the tail, wich was hard with wiry hair, then the soft skin under the stomach and even the tongue, which was soft and jelly-like, unlike the raspery feel I had anticipated. All the while Casper was eyeing me with his beautiful brown eye, lifting a leg here and flapping an ear there.
I was pressed for time, but the tour includes a walk with the elephants as well as riding them and giving them a scrubbing if you get there early enough. Something I will certainly be back for!
I would recommend this experience for anyone who loves these animals as much as I do. A definite activity on that list of things you want to do in your lifetime.
Andre Kotze
Hazyview,
Elephant,
Sanctuary,
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