Sri Lanka: Elephant Trek: Little People: Elephant Safari.

We are about to have the great privilege to ride on the back of a powerful and magnificent 11 feet high at the shoulder, Sri Lankan Bull Elephant.
It's the largest of the three sub species of the Asian elephant, look carefully for the distinct patches of depigmentation on the ears, face, trunk and belly, a distinguishing feature of this sub species.
Only around 7% of bull elephants go on to develop tusks.
Sri Lankan people have had a close connection with elephants for centuries,
hence elephants are deeply entrenched in their folklore, traditions and religious culture.
Elephants are among the most intelligent, socially intricate and emotionally complex non human species.
Monkey Business
Some Sri Lankan people believe that monkeys are actually intelligent little people - maybe not too far from the truth as primates are our closest genetic cousins.
Safari
Wild elephant herd sizes range between 12 and 20 individuals, led by the oldest female or matriarch.
Sri Lankan elephants are an endangered species and are protected by Sri Lankan law. Anyone convicted of killing an elephant will be subject to the death penalty.
Before British Colonial Rule there were around 14,000 elephants.the number in 2020 was 5,800.
Between 1829 and 1855 more than 6,000 elephants were captured and shot under the order of the Colonial British Empire.
Over and above this a British army major, a trophy hunter, shot and killed 1,500 bull elephants.
How long before there are no more in the wild?
Enjoy the video

[@nessaesmith]

Disgusting video. Elephant bodies are only designed to carry their own weight - not the weight of tourists.
Elephants at riding camps, who are forced to carry tourists around day in and day out, very often suffer from permanent spinal damage and agonizing injuries to their backs, legs and feet.