After checking out of KUKPS Dorm, we headed to the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province.
We enjoyed a presentation explaining the sanctuary. In only 200 acres, they protected over 300 species of wildlife which is incredibly diverse for such a small location ranging from frogs to elephants to tigers. Most of the issues they touched on were poaching and livestock encrouchment.
After the presentation and lunch, we piled into the bed of two pick-up trucks and drove throughout the rainforest. It was a thrilling ride considering the mud, light rain, and the fact that we were in the middle of a rain forest!!! I had the time of my life. We even saw wild elephant tracks which was one of the coolest experiences. I found that more exciting than the captives elephants.
After 30 minutes of driving we arrived at the ranger station. A deer heard was waiting close by and did not seem in the least bit afraid of us. The rangers exaplained that these deer had been reintrocuded because the tigers were reintorduced and obviously needed something to prey on. The deer were smart enough to know that the rangers wouldn't hurt them while the forest was rather dangerous.
They explained a little more to us about the site, and drove us back the same route. By this time the rain really started coming down. I was standing in the back, clinging to the cab of the truck. It was one of those moments where you could not think of anything else because you're enjoying the present too much. I felt so alive.
After we changed into clean clothes, we drove back to Bangkok. That night we enjoyed dinner at a very earthy, hip restaurant that all of us loved. Then we said our goodbyes to Pi Sue, Agent Jay, and Minju to go downtown. We went to the highest bar in Bangkok which included a revolving observation tower. The bar was a little too "hip" for us, and we were exhausted from the day so we only enjoyed a couple of drinks before heading back to KU-Home for a night's rest.