BORN: AMONG THE ELEPHANTS IN INDIA
I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I was really born among the elephants of India. Throughout my entire life, the love that animals give us has defined me and has made me feel there’s a place for me in the world.
Recently, in 2012, I had the privilege of traveling to India where I met Rainmela, an elephant. What I didn’t know about elephants is that the first thing they do when they meet a person is to look them straight in the eye. And unlike any other animal, that’s how they size you up.
I spent about an hour and a half with Rainmela. I painted her trunk. I caressed her forehead and her chin and then she started purring, like cats purr, only elephant-sized! And ever since then I’ve understood that there’s a very significant connection that we can have with these majestic beings. Save the Indian Elephant
—Sonia Toledo
I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I was really born among the elephants of India. Throughout my entire life, the love that animals give us has defined me and has made me feel there’s a place for me in the world.
Recently, in 2012, I had the privilege of traveling to India where I met Rainmela, an elephant. What I didn’t know about elephants is that the first thing they do when they meet a person is to look them straight in the eye. And unlike any other animal, that’s how they size you up.
I spent about an hour and a half with Rainmela. I painted her trunk. I caressed her forehead and her chin and then she started purring, like cats purr, only elephant-sized! And ever since then I’ve understood that there’s a very significant connection that we can have with these majestic beings. Save the Indian Elephant
—Sonia Toledo