For 5 years I worked free contact with elephants. I loved it despite the obvious dangers and hard work. Elephants are extremely intelligent and powerful animals. They are capable of creating bonds with each other and keepers. However, one bad day can be tragic. I was very aware of this possibility every time I worked with them. It was repeated to me often how dangerous the situation was and to always be on my game. For the most part I understood but I had an added benefit that other keepers did not.
A number of people who had been in the business many years warned me of a phenomenon in which elephant keepers are the most vulnerable. It usually happens around the 2 year mark in an elephant keepers career. They become cocky and think they can do things that other more experienced keepers can do. In their own minds…
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Wag 'n Bietjie 