by Loti | Aug 21, 2013 | Animals, Conquering Fear, Thailand
Thailand. So I am contemplating how to get on Bounma, my elephant, without passing out with fear. Breathe. I keep telling myself. Just breathe. But one thought which never occurred to me as I was climbing up on my gentle giant, is it fair to the elephant to ride her? An interesting question and one that I now learn, 6 months after returning from Thailand, is rather hotly debated. According to both the Humane Society and the Association of Zoos, it is not only cruel to the elephant, but dangerous to the rider. All sorts of statistics are quoted (which reinforces my opinion, facts can always be used to support both sides of an argument-it just depends which side you are on). On the opposing side is The Four Seasons Elephant Camp, where we were, which uses elephant riding as one way to support the rescued elephants in their care. So knowing what I know today, would I ride an elephant again? Absolutely! But at least now I am better better educated on the issues surrounding their treatment. Riding Bounma changed my world, literally. She helped me fall in love with life and, in turn, learn a little more everyday how we can be better stewards of our planet and all it offers. And for that I am eternally...
by Loti | May 10, 2013 | Africa, Animals, Keystone Species, Thailand
Thailand. I can’t imagine what a starfish (shown in the photo with some other shells I found in Thailand) and an elephant might have in common. But they are both keystone species. So what is this new species? (And why have I never heard of it?) Think of an arch of stones with a stone at the top, the keystone. Without the keystone, the arch collapses. A keystone species (a plant or animal) acts as the top stone, playing a critical and unique role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. This concept was conceived by Robert Paine, a zoologist, back in 1969. Back then, he was studying tidal waters inhabited by starfish and mussels off the Pacific coast. The starfish (the only predators of the mussels) kept the mussel population in check. When he removed the starfish from the ecosystem, the mussels took over, crowding out all the other species and the ecosystem collapsed. The starfish (it turns out) were critical to the health of their ecosystem. In much the same way, the elephants in Africa eat and destroy small trees making room for the grasses for the grazing animals to eat. Without the elephants, Africa would become a woodland and no longer provide grasses for the zebra, wildebeests and other animals. So both the starfish and elephant are considered keystone species along with mountain lions, beavers, the sugar maple, grizzly bears and a host of others. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!...
by Loti | Apr 9, 2013 | Thailand
Thailand. Walking the beach in Thailand, I found one piece of sea glass and some really cool shells. That was enough to celebrate! For those of us hooked on collecting sea glass, each found piece is a new discovery. So a piece from Thailand. I was jumping with joy! Collecting sea glass (any weathered glass found on the beach or inland waterway) is popular around the world. In the US, there is a an online magazine, Sea Glass Journal, an association, North American Sea Glass Association, and even an annual festival in Virginia. Who would have thought? So what is the rarest color? Well it is orange (a color I have never seen) found in 1 out of 10,000 pieces. Brown, kelly green and white are the most common. And the color comes from the original use of the glass; a bottle, jar, plate, or window… And some, as you can see from the photo of pieces I have found in Palm Beach, have writing. Vacation places are even advertised as having good sea glass collecting. Maybe something to check out as you are making your vacation plans. And why collect it? Because, on just a very basic level, it makes us happy. And it is free, good exercise and fun. So see you on the beach and happy collecting. ...
by Loti | Apr 5, 2013 | Insects, Thailand
Thailand. My tent at The Four Seasons Elephant Camp was named The Butterfly and Beetle tent (each of the 15 tents had a different theme) so I was surrounded by butterflies, beetles and elephants. Quite the combo. And I was amazed at the number of different butterflies and moths in the framed mount shown in the photo. So what role do butterflies play in our world? It turns out big, besides being beautiful to watch. After bees, they are the world’s second largest pollinator. Something I have never really thought about much. But without pollination, the human race doesn’t survive. Wow. Of the 1400 crop plants grown in the world, 80% require pollination to reproduce. Pollination, simply put, is the transfer of pollen in and between flowers and is necessary for the plant to produce fruit and seeds. So most of the day to day things you consume need pollination. Think coffee, apples, spices, chocolate, potatoes, almonds and even tequila. And sadly, as with so many things, butterfly populations are declining worldwide as a result of loss of habitat, increased use of pesticides (especially with genetically engineered corn) and climate change. So next time you see a butterfly, appreciate it for all it contributes to your well being. Maybe plant some flowers that attract and feed them. Learn how you can help them. And just enjoy their beauty. I know I will! ...
by Loti | Apr 3, 2013 | Conquering Fear, Thailand
Thailand. Northern Thailand is mountainous and mysterious, at least from my point of view. Drug running, elephants and suspension bridges make my list of terrifying things (although elephants have definitely moved to the magical side). Suspension bridges have always held a morbid fascination for me. Along the same lines as airplanes. How do they stay in the air and since I am deathly afraid of heights…Well, they don’t always, as evidenced by the spectacular collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into the Puget Sound 4 months after it opened in 1940. No people were killed but a poor dog named Tubby bit the rescuer trying to save him and died. The longest suspension bridge in the world is located in Japan at almost 13,000 feet which is over 2.5 miles. China has 4 of the top 10 longest and the US has one in the top 10. The double-decker (gee, one deck is bad enough but 2?), Verrazano Narrows connects Staten Island to Brooklyn. The famous Golden Gate comes in at #11. So back to this suspension bridge. Feeling emboldened by my elephant ride, I decided to walk over this bridge by myself. Having never stepped foot on one before, I was hardly breathing. The faster I walked, the more it swayed so I had to slow down, breathe and I did it – both ways! With no one watching. Amazing. ...
by Loti | Mar 29, 2013 | Animals, Thailand
Thailand. So I have been wondering more about the mirror test used with elephants and the 3 other species (which of course, you remember) to determine if they recognize themselves. How exactly is this done? Well a very large mirror, 8 x 8, is used which the elephant smells, touches and feels until he/she gets used to it. Then a large circle or X is painted on their forehead. If the elephant touches the painted spot on their body, using the mirror to see it, then they recognize themselves. This is part of the research being done with the elephant I am riding in the photo. And that is not all. I just read about an elephant that figured out how to use a box, to stand on, to get some fruit tied above his head, out of his reach. Wow! So an elephant can use a tool. And so can octopus, sea otters and rodents. Yes, even rats. So much to learn. More to follow!...
