On Saturday we headed south of town about 15 kilometers to the Lilayi Elephant Orphanage.
The resident baby elephants (under 10 years old) are taken care of, their wounds mended and fed every four hours when they are younger. These go out walking with their handlers for most of the day.
At 11:30 there is a viewing stand that is open to the public for free everyday. Of course donations are gladly accepted. The docent chatted for thirty minutes and then right on schedule in walked the baby elephants.
They knew exactly what they were there for.
Most just took the bottles and fed themselves. It took about 15 seconds to empty their bottle.
In thirty seconds it was all over, but you could almost see the little guys smiling.
Then is was obviously play time.
This was a Saturday so there were quite a few folks there.
The elephants just ran around and played in the mud and water.
This one kept swinging its trunk from side to side and slapping the water.
The docent said it takes several years for them to learn all the things their trunk can do and to develop all the muscles for them to accomplish all adult trunk functions.
If you need a break from the routine in Lusaka, this is a great way to relax for an hour.
It can only put a smile on your face and any donation is greatly appreciated although there isn't any pressure to donate.
