Amazing Animal Experiences

Over the years I have had some amazing animal encounters and a number that are still on the list. When someone asks me about my favorite moments while traveling, it almost always involves an animal or food. Here are a few of my favorites and a few more that I am looking forward to.

Bathing Rescue Elephants in Thailand

This is hands down my most favorite animal experience I have ever had. I did a ton of research on elephants used for tourism in Thailand. Elephants, the national animal, are a huge source of entertainment in Thailand for events, sideshows (painting elephants), and rides. I found an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai that rescues elephants from the entertainment world. This sanctuary offer tours, allows you to volunteer for a few days, or spend the afternoon with some of their elephants and do what they want to do. I spent the day preparing their breakfast, taking them for a walk, played in the mud with them, and then to the river for a bath. By far the most fun I have ever had.

Searching for the Big 5 on an African Safari

African Safaris are so exciting. I spent multiple days all around Africa on Safari. I experienced safaris in a jeep, boat, and hot air balloon. I would experience them all over again in a second. When in Africa you are on the search for the big 5. The big 5 consists of a lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo. I was lucky enough to spot all 5 of them during my weeks in Africa. The rhino was the hardest one to spot. It wasn’t until our tour guide stopped at a rest stop for gas that I had my first and only encounter with a rhino. There were two spotted down the hill from the rest area that clearly was part of a farm. I say I saw all 5 of the big 5, but this rhino encounter is questionable.

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. I have snorkeled all over the world, but this one takes the top honors.

Observing the Pandas at the Panda Research Center in China

The Panda Research Center was one of the many stops on my China tour. The center is home for giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered wild animals exclusive to China. The center is used for research, breeding, education, and tourism. I spent a few hours walking around this huge facility and visiting with the many pandas. I even got lucky and spotted a brown panda.

Spelunking for Glow Worms in New Zealand

I guess I wouldn’t call this your traditional animal experience. A glow worm in the larval stage and the imago produce a blue-green bioluminescence. The species is known to dwell in caves and on sheltered banks in native bush where humidity is high. I took to the caves spelunking on a raft to try to spot these glow worms. They were everywhere in the caves. Since photo and video equipment was not allowed, all I have is memories and post cards.

Meeting Koalas in Australia

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia had so many great animal encounters. I wasn’t expecting to meet a Koala while I was there, but they had a tour you could take of the Koala area and learn a bit more about the animal from a zoo keeper. I got to spend about 15 minute with this guy, who was nice enough to wake from his eucalyptus buzz and pose for a few pictures.

Whale Watching in Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, New England…

I was able to experience whale watching while I was in Hawaii. However, taking pictures and photos was challenging. I was able to get this photo before deciding to put the camera down and just enjoy the experience. I am hoping to have another opportunity next year in Alaska.

Bucket List Animal Activities

I have a number of must do animal encounters still on my list.

• Swim with Whale Sharks

• Hanging with Polar Bears in Canada

• Spotting Sloths in Costa Rica

• Dog Sledding Norway and Alaska

When dealing with wild animals it is important to remain respectful of them and their homes. I always try to do my research before an animal encounter to ensure the animals are not being harmed just for our entertainment. Here are some ways that we can protect the animals we encounter in the wild.

• While on a Safari, take the GPS location off of any photos you post. This can make it easier for poachers to pinpoint the animals location.

• Maintain a respectful distance and create minimal noise to avoid disrupting their natural behaviors

•  Do not feed, chase, touch, or harass wild animals

What amazing animal experience is at the top of your list? Contact me to day to start planning your next trip.

Email Anne

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