Today is World Elephant Day. In my opinion it’s a crime that they don’t make every day World Elephant Day!
Elephants are without question my favourite animals. Lions are magnificent, and when they are hunting or interacting it is like the greatest show on earth. But they tend to sleep a lot. A LOT! And there is only so long one can watch a lion sleep for.
Leopards are gorgeous creatures. Feline grace simply oozes out of them, and you only need to see that beautiful spotted coat once to fall in love with the species. Guests return to Londolozi time and time again simply to view Leopards. But they can be tough to stick with, moving through the thickets and drainage lines of Londolozi where no Land Rover can follow.
Elephants on the other hand, provide immense value every time you see them. Hardly ever still as they move through the bush, feeding constantly to supply their enormous bulks with nutrition, one can watch them all day and be in awe. They are always doing… something. Watching the calves play with each other while the adults feed around them is a constant delight, and seeing the stately bulls walking sombrely through the Marula crests can fill one with a sense of peace and belonging.
My favourite thing about elephants however, is that when you look into their eyes, you know there is something going on back there. They are watching you just as much as you are watching them.
So without further ado we present a photographic feature on elephants, honouring them on World Elephant Day.
Enjoy…
A tiny calf is shepherded across the Sand River by its mother.
Often playful, a young elephant delights in scattering some hippos that had been peacefully sleeping on the banks of Taylor’s Dam.
A beautiful image of an elephant calf faithfully following its mother.
A calf gets a playful nudge from an older cousin.
Catch up!
An elephant’s tusks can tell many stories about their owner…
A herd feed on the lush vegetation below the deck of Founders Camp.
Elephants and water.The ultimate combination in the bush. Apart from maybe Gin and Tonic. Here a lone bull crosses the Sand River upstream from the Londolozi Camps.
With Londolozi firmly in the grips of the dry season, we almost have a surplus of elephants as they flock in from all over to take advantage of the permanent water to be found in the Sand River and various waterholes. They need to drink every day, and if one sticks with a herd long enough, you will inevitably see them quenching their thirst.
A herd marches across Fluffie’s Clearing as the smoke from a fire adds some eerie light to the scene.
A young bull pauses to sniff the air while following his herd across the Sand River.
Looming large on the airstrip.
Don Heyneke, James Siwela and guests enjoy a close encounter.
Woops! A calf takes a tumble while in pursuit of its playmate.
A definitive mother-and-calf shot, that perfectly epitomises the caring nature of these benevolent creatures.
Photographed by Richard Laburn, James Tyrrell, Simon Smit and Mike Sutherland
How these magnificent creatures can be destroyed is beyond comprehension. I have a tattoo on my right ankle to remind me how precious these giants are. Can’t wait to come back next month to renew animal friendship.
Thanks guys for these beautiful pictures. I agree with Arden regarding the slaughtering of these gentle Giants. Its despicable!!
Thank you so much Richard, James, Simon and Mike, for all the incredible images of these beautiful Elephants! James Siwela looks very comfortable with such a close encounter…what a wonderful life, to be able to enjoy such beautiful animals every day.
beautiful set of images. also cant agree more with James’ opinion on elephants!
Awesome images James and a fitting tribute to the magnificent animals.
Great photos. I love the elephant interacting with the small hippos and the elephant calves (esp. the one falling down!). Getting close to these big, intelligent animals must be an amazing experience.
Thanks for those beautiful pics.
Gorgeous images of my most favourite animal. Thanks James and thanks to all the photographers for sharing.