29/06/2018
We are in the middle of the Cambodian Jungle. It has been pouring the whole night. The way down from the hill into the thick jungle is pretty much a mud slide. We´re already bruised and covered in mud from several falls and slides. Fire ants have been biting our legs and feet. Beach flip flops as hiking gear is not helping much.
There we are completely soaked on the very beginning of the day, and somehow we can’t erase the smile from our faces. Dense and lush vegetation is surrounding us in a thick humid warm air. Green and more green. You can’t see clearly more than a few meters beyond because of the plants, trees and greenery. Silence. You can only hear the thin drops of the already light rain colliding with the thousands of green leaves.
Fiuuuuuu, the guide whistles into the jungle. The excitement is real. Everyone looks to each other nervously giggling and not knowing exactly what to expect. No one says anything but is looking to each other with a smile proper of a kid.
Another whistle goes into the jungle air. Everyone looks to each other. "Crunch, creek" Suddenly we hear cracks and branches breaking on the far distance. There´s a noise of something happening beyond the visual wall of greenery. The jungle is thick and we can’t see properly through it. Something is approaching. Branches and trees are shaking on the distance. You can hear steps. Crackles are closer each time.
Suddenly it appears on the very first scene in front of us. A giant brown creature. Almost out of this world. An elephant emerges from the depth of the jungle. Wow. It’s massive. Covered in mud, shaking its trunk from side to side looking for something. It’s almost unreal. The brown mud of its skin gives it an other worldly look. “Where are my bananas shocked astonished humans? Come on, wake up and feed me"
Mondulkiri project rescues elephants that come from various exploitative practices and give them the opportunity to live and roam freely in the jungle where they belong.
What has been your most impressive memorable encounter with an animal?
There's some extra images from the elephants on Instagram Featured Stories.
