“Méditation de Thaïs” on Piano for Chaichana, Bull Elephant

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Chaichana is a powerful bull elephant. When he arrived at Elephants World the mahouts were cautious of him as his temperament was unknown. Over the past months Chaichana has got used to his new home at Elephants World and lately made friends with some of our other elephants. I played piano for Chaichana several times last week at the end of the day when the tropical summer heat was gently easing. I put the piano under the shade of Chaichana’s favourite tree, he is not restrained in any way and is free to wander off if he chooses too.

If you watch this video till the end you’ll notice Chaichana is a considerate elephant. He scoops the dried mud and gives himself a dust bath but always steps backward so as not to shower me too. I’ve played for a number of bull elephants with dangerous reputations and so far that all seem to like calm music and as a result often show the gentle side of their character.