Story and photos by Anna Holton-Dean
“Elephants.” “Eclipse.”
Enough said.
When my son’s teacher sent out an email asking if any family members wanted to tag along on the April 8 third-grade field trip to experience the solar eclipse at the Endangered Ark Foundation, I knew my whole family had to go.
The Endangered Ark Foundation (EAF), in Hugo, is a private nonprofit organization that exists to ensure the future of Asian elephants in North America, providing a retirement ranch for circus elephants and educating the public about this endangered species.
Donations, tours, and events such as “Total Eclipse at the Ark” fully support the foundation. With more
than 1,000 visitors, “Total Eclipse at the Ark” turned out to be one of the biggest events the foundation has ever hosted, says longtime volunteer Kristina Parra, who gave informative presentations throughout the day.
Guests could feed and pet elephants, take photos with them, purchase shirts that an elephant had spray-painted with its trunk, and even participate in giving an elephant a bath. Kids also could zoom down a giant carnival slide and jump on inflatables.
Eclipse glasses were provided as part of admission. To view the eclipse, everyone gathered in a set viewing area, which was an open field with additional stadium seating just outside the gift shop. The moment was truly unique.
Just a few minutes earlier, cloudy skies had caused worry that the eclipse might not be visible after we had all traveled from around the state and beyond for the historic moment. A break in the clouds came just in time. As the sky grew bright and then darkness descended, everyone cheered in unison. Even the elephants began to trumpet in response to the unusual dark sky at midday. Encountering elephants up close and personal while viewing the last big solar eclipse until 2044 was truly an unforgettable moment.
Choose Your Experience
Although events are held only at select times throughout the year, you can experience the Endangered Ark Foundation in other ways. All require reservations, which can be made online or by phone.
Public tours can be reserved on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, depending on the season. They last approximately one hour. Knowledgeable staff members provide interactive educational demonstrations about caring for an elephant and information on the endangered Asian elephant residents and their behaviors. The highlight of the tour is taking an “elephie selfie.” Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for scheduled tours because the structure and routine of the elephants are top priority.
Private encounters go a step farther and allow guests to meet, feed, and touch the elephants and watch them make beautiful art. A private encounter also allows staff members to tailor discussion around topics that visitors are interested in. For a more hands-on experience, guests can assist in bathing an elephant if they choose.
Special groups and student presentations
are the third option. “Guests will benefit by learning about the Asian elephant species, their behaviors and what goes into caring for the residents that reside at the Endangered Ark Foundation,” says the Endangered Ark’s website. “It is our hope
that your group can become as passionate about saving these beautiful animals as we are. EAF believes that education is a critical component in creating awareness and fostering young ambassadors for the Endangered Asian Elephant species worldwide.”
Observation-deck experiences allow a 360-degree view of the elephant reserve. This can be reserved as a private experience or an add-on to a private tour. Guests can also add various amenities to enhance the experience, making it a perfect choice for custom celebrations, romantic proposals, and more. (Observation-deck experiences are subject to cancellation because of inclement weather. In that case, a refund or rain check will be issued.)
An overnight stay in a cabin or treehouse on the property will make your visit a true getaway, and you can wake up to an elephant view. What could enhance your experience more than having breakfast delivered to your cabin by an elephant?
Visit EAF’s website for rates and special add-ons to make your visit truly unique.
Then and Now
D.R. and Isla Miller established the Endangered Ark Foundation in 1993 to help preserve the endangered Asian elephant species. The Endangered Ark’s elephant herd is one of the largest in the United States, consisting of 16 Asian elephants — 13 females and three males. They range in age from four-year-old Cameron Lee, the youngest baby, born in 2020, to the matriarch of the herd, Suzy, who is 73.
According to current statistics, 35,000 to 45,000 Asian elephants are on earth. As of 2000, only 285 captive elephants were in North America, and only about 35 of those are breeders, according to the foundation’s website.
Current facilities at the Endangered Ark include two main housing barns, one for females and the other for males. The barns serve as a place to provide veterinary care, shelter from the elements and inclement weather, and heated comfort in winter. Expanded facilities exist for special-needs elephants and expectant mothers and baby delivery.
To book your visit or for more information, visit www.endangeredarkfoundation. org or call (580) 317-8470.
