By Aneta Pokorna 1 week intern –

My experience at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary was simply an amazing one that words can’t fully capture – it must be felt!

It’s a completely different world where you realize that we don’t actually need many material things to live! Everyone there was very kind, patient, and helpful. No one was forced into anything, which made the experience very pleasant. The accommodations were simple but comfortable.

What stood out most to me about the elephants and the village were a few unforgettable details.

First, the elephants at the sanctuary left a lasting impression. I was amazed by how their trunks, containing 40,000 muscles, enable them to perform tasks such as picking up objects, drinking water, and even communicating. The fact that they can sense vibrations through their feet, allowing them to detect other elephants at a distance, really highlighted their incredible sensitivity and communication abilities. I was also fascinated by the fact that elephant calves are nursed for 4 years, showing the strong bonds within elephant families. The sheer scale of their daily needs was striking – they consume up to 300 kg of food and drink 200 liters of water per day, feeding on as many as 160 different types of plants.

As for the Karen village, what stayed with me was the culture. The villagers, about 200 people who fled Myanmar due to the civil war, live with traditions that were evident in their everyday life. Clothing must cover both the shoulders and knees. One unique aspect is how they greet each other: Da Blue – is used to say hello, goodbye, and thank you, all in one word. The village practices both Buddhism and Christianity, and at social events, single and married women dress differently.

These fascinating details about the elephants and the village truly made my experience unforgettable.

Thank you 😊