This piece was written 2 years ago but we decided that it was worth being shown again as it really does show an incident that is fascinating to watch unfold. People often ask me what kills elephants and what tends to happen to the body after the death. I just though that we would re-post this to let you see for yourself – not for the faint hearted as some of the images are graphic.
Elephants in the midst of a jostle - Adam Bannister
The lightning was an omen. A cracking flash was the conflict. Just as quickly as it had started it was over. Trumpeting, crashing and the thunderous force of two pachyderms raging against one another had given way to silence. There was no more conflict, only peace.
The great bull had not lain in his final resting place for long as the carnivores filtered through the bushes towards him. Ravenous teeth sheared the carcass open and bellies bulged with indulgent glut.
The maggots were quick to strike as well. A noisy waterfall of activity, this festering frenzy encased the lower body with their microvillus compounds and bacteria. It was a scene. For some it was sad, others tragic and for many repulsive. But for the bull himself, it was his final contribution to the mystical bushveld he had roamed for decades.
He was not dead. He was alive to those around him. Serving the best interests of a thriving trophic chain. He was of service to the life that fed off of him and in turn proliferated themselves into the bacteria that would stimulate the growth to feed his scattered offspring and his equally hungry counterparts. In life there are options, possibilities and an ever shifting tide of change. In death there is finality and the tangible gift back to the earth.
By day 7 the great bull was only a skeleton of his previous grandeur. A Leathery hide retained some of its shape and his large tusks protruded awkwardly into the air. The lions had long since left and now hyenas and vultures picked at the scant remains. There he lay, like a monument. His story would serve its metaphor for now, but as with life it will someday be forgotten. The remnants of his existence however, will be seen in the new leaves of spring, the stormy winds of change and the sunlit faces of future life in the bushveld.
Wrinkles of wisdom - Adam Bannister
Filmed by Adam Bannister
Written by Rich Laburn and Adam Bannister
Rich – did you ever see a similar film made for television by Simon Watt called The Elephant – Life after Death, which recorded over days all the animals and insects large and small who consumed the carcass
of an elephant, again not for the faint hearted, but another great example of the circle of life – if I remember correctly they did not get Lions feeding on the carcass as the local pride had a fresh kill to satisfy their needs. The film crew did suffer from the pungent smell.
At Londolozi were the bones eventually moved or visited by members of the herd?
Hi Sheena, no I haven’t. Must be very interesting to watch given what the above video shows. I have often wondered if lions have a certain threshold which determines the point at which they can no longer stomach carrion. Any ideas?
The bones of this carcass were left for the natural process to take place.
Very well put together. Yes it’s sad when we lose any creature, but if we look at it as you’ve said, we can find peace.
thank you…well done.
Adam, thanks for this. I haven’t yet watched the video…I have to work up to it.
I have seen the picture of the ele’s eye and beautiful eyelashes before..in another of your posts?
I simply adore that photo.
Much love to everyone there
Fantastic footage Rich and Adam! That was quite a sighting for that group of safari-goers! The circle of life is truly extraordinary!! See you in July!!!
Phenomenally sad
What is the name of the moth larva that nests in the leathery “hide” of the foot? This is a wonderful post, definitely worth the repeat. I love this:
In life there are options, possibilities and an ever shifting tide of change. In death there is finality and the tangible gift back to the earth.