Elephant Encounters in Knysna Elephant Park, South Africa
Amazing Day at Knysna Elephant Park
We made a visit to Knysna Elephant Park also located on the Garden Route near Plettenberg Bay. The elephants here were rescued from culling programs or as orphans after their mothers were poached. The park offers the unique experience of being able to touch, walk with, and feed African Elephants.
At one point, the guide asked if anyone in the group wanted a hug from an elephant. Naturally, I stepped up because I’ll take any action I can get these days.
What I didn’t anticipate was the incredible weight of the trunk, despite the elephant placing her truck gingerly around my shoulders. Our guide said that elephants have 100,000 muscles in their trunks. My neck and shoulders can substantiate this. Rob and Darren were asking me to smile for a picture and I could barely lift my head or keep my knees from buckling!
What struck me most was how quiet these elephants were despite their size. They walk almost silently. Being close to one (under these conditions) was a calming experience. One can only have awe.
Photos of Knysna Elephant Park:
- Excited to feed elephants!
Excited to feed elephants!
- Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Elephant Park
- Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Elephant Park
- Greedy elephants.
Greedy elephants.
- This is fun!
This is fun!
- Feeding elephants.
Feeding elephants.
- Feeding elephants.
Feeding elephants.
- Elephants playing
Elephants playing
- Elephants playing
Elephants playing
- Elephants playing
Elephants playing
- African Elephant
African Elephant
- African Elephants
African Elephants
- Hmm...I hope this goes well.
Hmm...I hope this goes well.
- Elephants
Elephants
- Just look natural.
Just look natural.
- Um...heavy!
Um...heavy!
- Not working out so well.
Not working out so well.
- African elephants
African elephants