Elephant Bull
Everyone has a power animal; when we see it our hearts skip a beat, we sit transfixed observing its every movement, gazing as if inspecting its soul. There is an understanding which words simply don’t do justice in explaining. It’s just a feeling. Deeply embedded in the animal is a reflection of our own personality, our characteristics and a break down of self!
Steven Farmer, a shamanic practitioner and author of Animal Sprit Guides states that “the elephant is reflective of an insatiable hunger for knowledge and understanding.” He also considers the elephant to be the symbol of perseverance – once your mind is set on something there is nothing that can stop you from obtaining it.
When my last guest arrived she set her intentions on seeing the majestic African Elephant. It was her Power Animal and she had travelled the globe to absorb its wisdom and experience it in its purist form. Being a ranger at one of Africa’s top game reserves means that we see plenty of elephants, yet in all my time as a guide I have never witnessed pure enjoyment by any animal as I did a few days ago.
We had been having a great drive: a leopard drinking, massive termite mounds and plenty of general game. All that remained was a cup of hot chocolate to finish off a special morning. My first thought was of a nearby watering hole that has a fantastic view and plenty of hippos. The anticipated tranquillity of this dam was broken, however, by 3 African elephant bulls, which had also decided to stop there for a morning drink.
Three young bulls, completely oblivious of the human onlookers, proceeded to play and swim in the water. Climbing on each other, spraying water, snorkelling, rolling over and diving. The largest living land mammals in the world were momentarily weightless, oblivious and lost in the moment. You could sense the incredible energy being exuded from these animals. It was beautiful! It was magical! The three of us sat engrossed in what was happening. We were watching the greatest stage act in the world… her power animal was speaking to her and the message was clear even to me. Embrace life, do whatever you want to do, be confident, enjoy simplicity and most importantly have fun!
Enjoy the video…words can’t explain the elation of these elephants. Nature really is incredible!
Written by: Adam Bannister
Filmed by: Adam Bannister
Photography: Rich Laburn
Hello there,
I have discovered the Londolozi Blog! What a sensational gift this is!!
I absolutely love what is written, how it is expressed and the reading along with the film.
Wonderful work my dear friends… it is only the beginning to a long lasting story of magical words and pictures.
And yes you caught it! “follow your heart, trust, keep it simple and most importantly smile and enjoy”
Send you lots of love.
Great video and great article!! Well Done Mr. Bannister!!!!
Great writing and watch a catch! Keep the magic flowing we are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Thanks Margaret, looking forward to having you at Londolozi in the near future.
Absolutely STUNNING!! Thank you all, and to Rich for referring me here. This post is a treat! Will be looking around this blog a whole lot more 🙂
Its a pleasure Naomi, please feel free to look around the blog alot more, there are plenty of posts on everything wildlife and Londolozi so go wild. If you have any other interesting stories and photographs from your time at Londolozi let me know. rich