Another incredible sighting captured by our recent guest, Tara L Waters, of a lone buffalo bull strangely attacking a young elephant calf. The young calf was innocently feeding in the reeds alongside its mother when the grumpy buffalo turned around and ran headfirst into the tiny calf. The force of the buffalo catapulted the elephant into a small pool of the Sand River. Close by, sleepy crocodiles got a fright as a tremendous splash woke them suddenly. Naturally, the entire herd of elephants were irate and wasted little time in chasing off the buffalo bull…
A young calf feeds with the herd along the banks of the Sand River.
A buffalo bull appears out of the phragmites and is suddenly uncomfortable as he is surrounded by the herd of elephants. Close by, crocodiles laze on a small sandbank.
The indignant buffalo suddenly turns and rams the young elephant calf into Sand River. Flustered elephants scream with anger and all turn to face the buffalo.
The mother elephant’s primary instinct is to get her calf out of the water first and foremost as it struggles up a small sandy bank trying to get out of the water.
She curls her trunk around the calfs body and proceeds to lift it back towards her.
Her elder calf stands alongside her keeping an eye on the menacing crocodiles who have now slid into the murky water. The traumatized calf staggers out of the water close by to its mother.
Head raised, ears flapping and tusks extended towards the buffalo…this is one angry elephant who has now turned to teach the buffalo bull a lesson.
The buffalo turned and ran up the banks of the river at speed, not wanting to incur the wrath of the herd and particularly the angry mother. Even bullies get taught a lesson out in the wilderness!
Photographed by: Tara L Waters (Londolozi Guest)
What an astonishing scene to witness (not very nice mind you!), and I am just so chuft that the little Elly was saved before the crocs got to it. I only hope it’s injuries are not too serious and that the Buff learnt his lesson (Grumpy old men!!!). Fantastic capture Tara – well done.
Hope the calf is OK! Love elephants and their protective nature!
“Grumpy old Men”…..well some things never change…lol…..Amazing Pictures Tara & I certainly hope that our little calf will be okay…:)
Incredible!! I want some of whatever Tara has when I get back to Londolozi! She’s having all the fun! LOL
Oh my, what an incredibly scary scene to watch. Why would this buffalo attack the elephant calf? Probably just because it could, being an old grump and all. Thanks for sharing this incredible story and photos too.
What an incredible experience! Glad it all ended well.
This event has an element of amusement to it.
Wow, thanks for sharing this with us, great pics as well. Hope the little ellie is okay