Giving a huge elephant a bath

(Click on the image for a wallpaper sized image)

Remember I told you in other post that I was going to give an elephant a bath? Well, I finally did!!!! A Behind of the scenes tour of the Elephant exhibit of the El Paso Zoo and a chance to bathe one of the Elephants was a surprise anniversary present, and when it truly happened, It was one of the best experiences I've had. Her name is Savannah and I wish I was able to be closer to her.... You know, Elephants are my favorite animals and I had never, ever being so close to one before. Her eyes are so human-like, you know there's a lot going on behind their kind look, It's astonishing. And those feet!!!! Huge and round! I just wanted to hug her... but of course I wasn't allowed :( They have very strict security measures in order to protect both ourselves and the elephant from each other.

Anyway, it was all in all a great experience. Being able to hose her down, then brush her side and touch her skin was a dream come true for me... they even let me feed her a huge watermelon piece! The zoo keepers are wonderful people and they showed us a lot of stuff that happens backstage ;)... I did not know taking care of an elephant required so many things! (And I thought just giving my daughter a bath was hard!)

Even my daughter was allowed to go with us! You should have seen her face... just beaming from being able to see such a powerful being next to her. it was pure magic...

All I can say is that It was all great, it's going to leave memories to treasure forever, and that's why I did this entry in my art journal... Much better than pictures you know? That way I can remember everything the way I want to... memories for me are just 10000 times better than pictures. Looking at them always bring me the feelings I had, not just the images.

If I wasn't an artist I'd like to be a zookeeper. Maybe I can show Savannah to paint :)