A mahout dressed as Santa Claus gives a gift to an elephant to be handed over to students ahead of Christmas celebrations at a primary school, in Ayutthaya, Thailand, December 23, 2022. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE, Thailand — A trunk, rather than a red nose, is what Rudolph would need to join a herd of elephants helping Santa Claus deliver presents in Thailand.
Mahouts dressed as Santa led the gentle giants to a school in central Thailand to hand out Christmas presents to about 2,000 students this week, part of an annual tradition.
Students wearing Santa Claus costumes gather before a visit of five elephants wearing Santa Claus costumes ahead of Christmas celebrations at a primary school, in Ayutthaya, Thailand, December 23, 2022. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
Students lined the school courtyard and hall while the elephants approached slowly and unfurled their trunks to give out balloons, toys and dolls.