Animals at our Local Zoo: Elephants
Elephants are the beasts I love best, like most Indians. They are both clumsy and graceful at the same time. They look like peace loving, family types, but once they get mad, they get really mad! If you let them be, like most animals, they will let you be.
The first three photos are from my recent visit to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as the Vandalur Zoo, which is about 30 kilometers from Chennai, my city.
It was feeding time, and the keepers had cleverly given them lunch close enough for us to see them and shoot pix. By them, I meant jumbos, not keepers, of course. I couldn't take many, as the diners didn't move from their 'table.'
The following set of pictures were taken by me at the popular elephant sanctuary (Punnathur kotta) near the Guruvayur temple, Kerala State, where temple jumbos reside. There are about 60 elephants, and all of them were donated by devotees. Pictures taken in 2007.
Other Animals I Saw
If you love white tigers, please take a look at those pretty felines in my previous hub. Click here.
If you would like to see Indian Bisons and Deer, click here.
- Jackilyn's hub on Elephants
As beautiful as her usual hubs, this one has an interesting fact file and many delightful pictures of African Elephants.
Comments
AUTHORThank you, Paraglider. It wasn't so spacious when I was a child, but now we have a big zoo.
I'm delighted to note that you got this link from twitter. :)
These are great pictures, Kenny. The elephants seem to have a decent environment. There are a couple of elephants in the zoo here in Doha, but it's not a great place and one visit was enough.
- AUTHOR
Oh, thank you, William.
Your last line reminds me of Willard Price's Elephant Adventure!
Your elephant photos are magnificent. "Tip" the elelphant was a popular exhibit at the Hudson River Museum when I was a boy. He made a great impression on me (fortunately, not with his foot!) I'm not so sure about taxidermy, however. Since then I've been fascinated by the animals, and always enjoyed seeing them at circuses. Thanks for the adventure.
- AUTHOR
Mark, yes, you can do that. In India, it's quite easy for almost anybody to touch an elephant and climb on his back. I have, and both my children have, too. Also, when we give them bananas or the keeper money, the elephant 'blesses' us with a drooly trunk!
Zsuzsy, there's an actor in India, who has an elephant for a pet!
Costs a fortune to feed them, though!
Thank you, Cynna. Yes, they did, and are constantly improving.
That looks like an amazing zoo! They really did a good job with the habitat from what I can see! Loved this hub, thanks for sharing!
Kenny! Great Hub as always. Your zoo looks so natural it's deceiving. It's a shame they haven't come up with a miniature version of elephants; I'd sure have one of them.
regards Zsuzsy
Great pics Kenny..I love Elephants so much..They are so wise, powerful yet gentle intelegent creatures and i would love to get upfront and personal with them one day..
- AUTHOR
Like someone else said I look forward to your comments, Frank. They are as beautiful as the hub. :)
Ah, that's not a bad punishment if his girl is going to be with him.
They should consider that for our prisons, too!
Love those little furry creatures. or are they pussy cats?
I have previously mentioned the elephant that stood on his keeper and killed him.
He his going to be placed in a Zoo.
Authorities in NSW are looking to which oneto put him in.
He will apparently be able to take his girl friend with him.
By the way i am jealous that your elephants have such great photos
- AUTHOR
Where are your zoo pix, Pat? May I see them, please?
We had barriers, too.
I zoomed the best I could, then cropped in Photoshop.
My secret is out! :)
Nice. My zoo pics pale in comparison. You get to see the elephants so close, and without barriers.
- AUTHOR
Ah, G-Ma, you are also lucky to have that Game Farm nearby. I couldn't see the rhino this time. An amazing animal that! We love the zoo so much, my wife and I, that we have made about 25 visits so far.
Thank you Abhinaya, I'll look forward to seeing your pictures after your visit.
Loved these 'peaceful people',Kenny.The pictures are very clear and great quality!Thumbs up coz they are my favourites.
You are so lucky to be among these wonderful creatures Kenny...and I have only seen live elephants at the Circus many many years ago. I love to watch a program here called" Animal Planet " Although I have been to zoo's but they are few and far between....We have a Game Farm here in Sequim with retired animals from captivity and shows. My favorite are the Bengal Tigers..but also the huge Rhino he is sweet.....I can't name my favorite animal..Love them all..As usual great pics...and Thank you G-Ma :O)
- AUTHOR
The appreciation is mutual, Jackilyn; Your great hub made me do this hub fast, to keep up!
great hub kenny! and thanx again!
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