During my Thailand Veterinary Technology study abroad program at WFFT I spent most of my time at the area called Newlands. At New lands there was 5 elephants See Puak, Nam Phon, Duen Phen, Som Boon and Khan Kluey. See Puak, Nam Phon, Duen Phen all were kept in the same enclosure and Som Boon and Khan Kluey were in a different area. Our mornings started at 6:30 and at that time we met at the volunteer house where we met with our groups. Once we were in our groups we went and collected our fruits for the elephants, next we went to the fruit washing station were we washed the fruit in water mixed potassium for 10 minutes. After the fruit soaked for 10 minutes we than rinsed the fruit, then separated it in different baskets. In the mornings the elephants at all areas of the foundation are fed bananas balls which are made from bananas, brand, and pellets. Som Boon and Khan Kluey were fed first, we were not able to touch either one because Khan Kluey is a bull elephant and is very dangerous. How we fed them was by the mahuts “the elephant caretakers” would distract them and we would place the banana balls on the cement walls fast and get away from the wall as fast as possible so that no one would get hurt. Next we would jump on the truck with the other elephants banana balls See Puak, Nam Phon, Duen Phen. These three girls we were able to feed and touch as long as the mahuts were right there. These ladies were my absolute favorites. It was amazing to me that they knew where to be at what time of day, they would always meet us at the meeting spot. After all the elephants were fed their breakfast we would get back on the truck and throw bananas tree chunks into their enclosure. Morning work was complete.

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