There is a special something about elephants which enthralls and excitse us. Their massive beauty and strength, matriarchal social organization, and intelligence is something to behold. Elephants hold a  unique place in art, warfare, and religion. In Hindu tradition, Ganesha is ranked equally with the Supreme Gods of Shiva, Vishnu & Brahma.  Hunted for trophies, poached for their ivory, and used controversially in zoos and circuses, elephants have been used for work for thousands of years.  In the year 2000 it was estimated there were over 15,000 working elephants in Asia. I will take you on a visual journey of my experiences with this amazing animal.

One of my earliest experiences with elephants outside of zoos and circuses as a kid was at an elephant sanctuary north of Chiang Mai Thailand in 1997. The image shows young “mahouts”(someone who rides, works, and tends an elephant.) in training. Someday they will have their own elephant to care for. There are numerous sanctuaries in Thailand and most are regulated for the good care and humane treatment of the elephant.  Some may argue it is wrong for tourists to ride elephants while I take a different view based on numerous visits and observations in Thailand.

My father-in-law purchased the elephant carving on the left in Hong Kong back in the 1960’s. I found the little elephant on the right in Jaipur India.

Elephants have an important symbolic significance to the Kingdom of Thailand. The King of Thailand has ten so-called “White Elephants” in the Royal Elephant Stable. The image above is at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. 

I took this photo of a group of interior designers riding elephants. Marla and I hosted a number of trips with our clients to Thailand over the years. We were heading to a Hilltribe village north of Chiang Mai.

My great-grandfather, Captain William Brown brought this back from India. It depicts elephants used in warfare. Captain Brown was the commander of the Ganges Flotilla during the Indian Rebellion of 1857-1858. 

I captured this shot on the Sacred Way at The Ming Tombs near Beijing China. We used a private guide who drove us out early in the morning to avoid crowds. It was truly an amazing experience!

During a visit to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya we encountered a herd of elephants. I was worried our driver took us a little too close!

Marla and I traveled to Northern Thailand more than 23 times over the years to resource furniture and accessories when we owned Wesco Fabrics. This was one of our resources outside of Chiang Mai.

India never ceases to amaze even the most intrepid traveler. I shot these images of elephants decorated for the Holi, or Festival of Colours, in Jaipur. The elephants literally take a lane for themselves.

                                                    The Amber Fort in Jaipur India.

We purchased this 3′ long Elephant wood carving in Chiang Mai.

The inlaid tiles on the wall of this building in a temple complex in Luang Prabang Laos tell an ancient tale. I love the blue elephants on the lower left!

I’ve always believed one should test drive a vehicle before purchasing. We rode this beauty on the Thai island of Koh Samui.

   A mahout takes a nap at an elephant sanctuary in Northern Thailand. Many mahouts devote their entire life to one elephant in Thailand.

Man’s relationship with animals is diverse and fascinating.  I am grateful to have experienced this magnificent animal in the wild, in sanctuaries, and on city streets.