PhotoFeed Contest - Wildlife Photography Round 144 ~ Nurturing Elephants

Hello Hivers....

This post is my entry for the Wildlife Photography Contest hosted by @photofeed. If you'd like to participate, please read the rules

At CRU Sampoinit, Aceh Jaya, bathing elephants in the river is a crucial part of the daily care of these tame animals. In the morning, the mahouts, who have long lived alongside these giant animals, lead the elephants down to the calm river. The clear, cool water helps cleanse the elephants' bodies of dust and mud after their activities in the forest and surrounding areas. The natural setting, surrounded by green trees, makes this bathing experience not only beneficial for the elephants' health but also a calming sight for all who witness it.

In the photo I shared, an elephant is seen enjoying the cleaning process, holding its trunk up, as if to show comfort and trust in its handler. The mahout meticulously cleans the elephant's head and mouth, ensuring there's no dirt or debris. Meanwhile, on the riverbank, another handler watches, ready to assist if needed. This intimate interaction between humans and elephants reflects a strong emotional connection, a bond formed through long experience of accompanying each other.

Interestingly, another elephant was waiting its turn to be bathed. The elephant's calm demeanor suggests that this bathing activity is a familiar and familiar routine. The sight of the two elephants in different positions, one being bathed, the other waiting—provides a natural glimpse into how activities at CRU Sampoinit operate. This simple routine not only keeps the elephants clean but is also crucial to their well-being, making CRU Sampoinit one of the conservation centers that combines care, preservation, and human closeness with this iconic Acehnese animal.

Important Note: I wrote in Indonesian, then translated it using Google Translate. Regards @yayan