In a charming moment captured at a Thai elephant sanctuary, a young elephant enthusiastically approached a visitor for a cuddle, offering a playful interaction that delighted everyone watching The video shows a woman seated on the muddy ground when, unexpectedly, a baby elephant bounds over, eager to make her acquaintance. The audience can’t help but laugh as the calf cozily settles on her lap. A bystander comments that the woman seems to be enjoying the unusual encounter. However, the calf’s boundless energy keeps it moving around, occasionally shifting in ways that look a little uncomfortable for the woman. She smiles and strokes the baby elephant as it readjusts onto her thighs, embracing the affectionate moment. But when the calf rolls backward onto her shins, she lets out a soft “ow,” prompting a nearby person to step in and lend a hand. Unperturbed, the little elephant soon rolls f...
A series of stunning photos have captured a remarkable moment in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, where a bull African elephant stood on its hind legs to reach higher branches for food.
The images, taken by photographer Bobby-Jo Vial, showcase the elephant stretching its trunk to grab leaves, using its strength and balance to access the best branches.
Bobby-Jo, 36, described the event as one of the most spectacular moments she has photographed. “It was an amazing display of strength, balance, and agility,” she said. The elephant’s technique allowed it to pull down the prime branches for a meal easily.
While not common, this behavior can be observed in Mana Pools and is particularly unique to bull elephants. Bobby-Jo explained that this feeding technique is likely passed down from older elephants.
In previous years, famous bulls in the area, such as Fred Astaire and Boswell, were known for their ability to stand on their hind legs to browse the trees.
Seeing a younger elephant mastering this skill was a special experience for her and her guests.
Bobby-Jo also noted that this behavior often occurs during times of food scarcity. With the dry season in full effect, elephants must find creative ways to reach sustenance in areas like Mana Pools, where food is limited.
The photos have garnered admiration from Bobby-Jo’s friends, family, and followers, who were equally captivated by the elephant’s balancing act and the warm afternoon light that illuminated the scene. “They know how passionate I am about elephants and were thrilled for me to witness this moment,” she added.
Once on the brink of extinction due to poaching, African elephants have seen some improvements in recent years. In 2011, illegal poaching claimed the lives of 10 percent of the continent’s elephants.
By 2017, this figure had decreased to around four percent, partly due to reduced demand for ivory from China.
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While conservation efforts have yielded positive results, experts caution that elephants still face significant threats.
Between 10,000 and 15,000 elephants are killed annually, further shrinking the already fragile population of around 350,000.
Conservationists remain hopeful but emphasize the need for continued vigilance to protect these majestic creatures.
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