Have you ever dreamed of walking among elephants as they frolic in a field? If your answer was “yes,” then you’re not alone. One of our specialty travel consultants, Lisa Palmese-Graubard, is a self-proclaimed elephant enthusiast.

Lisa visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) in Kenya with one of Holbrook’s programs. This orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program is one of the most successful in the world and it is also one of the pioneering organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. The DSWT has various anti-poaching projects as well as projects organized to save habitats of wild elephants. During the visit, around 10 or 11 am after feeding time, Lisa said that the elephants play with balls and walk around with their keepers while visitors may simply observe this ritual and take photos. At the rescue, each orphaned elephant is assigned to a keeper who is then responsible for the care of the elephant. The elephants appear child-like as they roll around in the mud and run around playing with the other elephants.

“If you like elephants, this is the best place in the world to see baby elephants in their environment,” Lisa said. To be more involved with the DSWT, one can become a foster parent of an orphaned elephant. Foster parents pay fees that go toward medical and other costs of the elephant’s care. For more information about the DSWT, like their profile on Facebook or follow their Twitter account @DSWT for updates.