Their huge frames and strength mystically contrast with their gentle, peaceful nature. Adorable and inquisitive, they look smaller than the adults, but are just as able to fling your arm away when you tickle their trunks too much. Refreshed, they seemed to enjoy performing for an enthusiastic audience. They even played football while waiting for their turn. Elephants begin their training between the ages of three and five years, once they are strong enough and ready to leave their mothers.
Basic training takes up to a month but they generally learn new tricks as they go along.
A jaunty five-year old came toward me with his trainer, Somwung, and I had to quickly rescue my hat from his nosey grasp. At this age, however, elephants are brought into retirement, which means no more performing or carrying tourists around. They lead a life of leisure, foraging in the forests, eating the sweet grasses and generally being cared for in their old age. It was thrilling to see all the animals healthy, happy, so playful and full of life. Early to bed, early to rise, makes an elephant healthy, wealthy and wise.