WORDS: Sheri Roca
PICTURES: Gabrielle Versmessen
Did you know that there is a magical place right here in Manatee County where you can not only get up close and personal with elephants but help in the global conservation of these majestic creatures? Just east of Lakewood Ranch, you will find the Myakka Elephant Ranch. This facility is a family-owned and operated nonprofit conservation center that offers once in a lifetime, close encounters with these gentle giants, as well as providing multiple opportunities for you to help ensure their survival, both locally and globally.
The Elephant Ranch was opened in 1986 by Jorge Barreda, but when his son, Lou Barreda, decided to attend the International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium in South Africa in 2019, he decided to found the nonprofit and focus on global conservation, education, and awareness.
Then, the Myakka Elephant Ranch truly came to be. Soon after, they opened the doors to visitors with the idea that personal experience, interaction, and education are the key to preserving these loveable beasts.
Until recently, there were three elephants housed at the 30-acre ranch: two female Mainland Asian elephants, Carol and Patty, who were purchased in order to retire them from the entertainment industry, and a female African elephant and matriarch of the group, Lou.
Sadly, Lou passed away in her sleep on August 15th, but she will forever live in the hearts of so many people and elephants who loved her for years and those who only got to spend a short time with her.
Myakka Elephant Ranch, or MER, and its conservation involvement is truly a family effort. Lou Barreda holds the title of CEO, while his sister, Julia Braren, is the COO. Both are very involved in the day-to-day workings of the ranch. You will likely find Lou and their father, Jorge, supervising the various Elephant Encounters, sharing facts and interesting elephant information throughout. Julia can be found at the front desk, checking in guests and answering questions.
The Spa Encounter is one of four unique experiences available at MER, allowing the general public to get close and personal with the mammoth mammals. As it is about to begin, Carol slowly meanders into the barn, trunk swinging, to stop in front of the two dozen or so paid participants waiting expectantly. Almost as soon as her bath commences, she begins to sway gently, eyes closed, to the soothing sounds of Phil Collins singing, “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
According to the gentlemen, water is essential to pachyderms’ mental and physical health, and they need to be bathed every day. And although an elephant has very thick skin to help protect them from the elements, they are so sensitive they can feel a mosquito.
With some direction from Jorge and Lou, groups of two or three captivated visitors take turns rinsing her off, brushing her down with a natural, organic soap, and even giving her a pedicure. Lifting a foot without prompting to have her toes washed and an oil applied to her nails, Carol is seemingly at peace and perfectly docile, purring softly, clearly enjoying the water, the attention, and the human interaction. According to Julia, the elephants thrive on human interaction, and it’s a significant part of their stimulation. And, on days when there are no scheduled encounters, the elephants follow them around most of the day, looking for attention.
The Educational Encounter begins after each of the elephants has been thoroughly cleaned and pampered. During this time, the focus is on learning more about elephants, and one or two of the kids are invited to give the gentle giants a snack. As a long trunk reaches down to collect a carrot, Lou peppers the audience with interesting tidbits about that amazing appendage, explaining that the trunk has more than 40,000 muscles and can be used for breathing, smelling, drinking, and sounding an alarm in case of danger.
There are even two “fingers” at the end that can pick up an object as small as a dime. Each encounter offers many opportunities to be close enough to touch the elephants and take incredible photos with your remarkable new friends.
Julia concludes the Educational Encounter with more information about the importance of global elephant conservation and how we can help. According to Julia: “MER is always trying to find new ways to cultivate change and for humans and elephants to coexist.” But the information and statistics are staggering.
Nearly 100 elephants die each day worldwide, and there are less than 500,000 elephants left on the planet. Do the math. And the primary predator is humans. Between poaching elephants for ivory and elephant-human conflict caused by the encroachment of their habitat, the numbers are dwindling fast. But there are a variety of ways that you can help, from right here at home.
Proceeds from booking an Elephant Encounter or making a direct donation to Myakka Elephant Ranch are used to house and feed the elephants, as well as helping to fund the continued expansion and renovation of the grounds. A portion is also allocated to supporting the International Elephant Foundation.
Because MER recognizes the importance of fostering a love for elephants in the next generation of conservationists, your contributions also help to fund educational field trips at no cost to local schools.
You can also participate in the Conservation Pen Pal Program or Art Exchange Program, available through the MER website. By sharing your love of elephants in the form of art or the written word with children in areas where human-elephant conflict is prevalent, you will be helping to educate and inspire change.
You could even host your own fundraiser for elephants. Raise money washing cars or selling tickets to your talent show. Be creative and think as big as an elephant, with endless possibilities!
You are even helping by simply spreading the word about elephant conservation.
- To make a donation or get information on elephant encounters and elephant conservation projects, visit their website: www.myakkaelephantranch.org.
