Elephunky: Riddle Elephant Sanctuary in Guy, Arkansas

One of the lovely perks of being in the Donaghey Scholars Program is the students. For example, my friend Tatiana's family owns an elephant sanctuary in Guy, Arkansas. On Saturday, we all loaded up and traveled over to spend the day with elephants...in Arkansas!

It was such a wonderful experience; I've never been this close to an elephant ever before in my life. Cammy came along for the ride so I could document this event in a trillion photos. (Trillion as in, 168 or so). They were such sweeties! They held really still to get glamour shots and were extremely calm. And beautiful.

Some of the elephants are circus retirees, so they still have a couple of tricks up their...trunk? (Haha, lame...bah-dum-cha!) I believe this Asian elephant in particular's name is Boop, short for Betty Boop. Precioussssss!

Outfit-wise: I wanted to dress sensibly, so I threw on my Donaghey Scholars t-shirt, Free People shorts (1/2 of 1/2, $10), leather Toms-like shoes (Savers, $4), black shoulder bag (Thrifted), and a straw fedora (Marshalls, $9). Tatiana told me that she liked my safari outfit. Totally unintentional.

Occasionally I forget about getting my picture taken. I'm almost always lost behind the lens. Fortunately, Cyrene offered to take some photos. It's so breathtaking standing next to such a majestic creature...

Until, that is, it tries to eat you (must've been the straw fedora)...but not really. I like to think that Boop and I are both smiling in this photo.

Cyrene was handing back my camera just as this trunk was inching near. I didn't have time to look through the view-finder but took the shot anyways. I'm glad I did.

We couldn't get as close to this male African elephant because they're more aggressive. (Stupid boys!) However, this pup (Lucy?) isn't even fazed by the much larger creature just a few feet away.

BABY ELEPHANT! Zomahgarshhh, this had to have been the most freakin' adorable thing that I've ever seen in my life!!! Mrs.Riddle called mommy and baby over to the fence, and next thing you know, there's this precious bundle of joy that jumbles over. I think he's smiling!

We got to hand-feed them carrots...and were thanked with elephant trunk slobber. Om nom nom!

Looking straight ahead at such a majestic creature.

In the gift shop: I didn't buy this particular critter, but instead took various shots of it so I can mentally dismantle it...and make my own. My roomie's been itchin' for her own critter. However, I did buy this awesome pin-cushion as my souvenir. The base is wood carved with elephants.

A practical reminder of a beautiful day with the elephants.