A large herd of about 70 African wild elephants has caught a wildlife photographer’s attention after being spotted together visiting a waterhole in Kruger National Park.
During a day trip in South Africa in early April, amateur wildlife photographer Graeme Mitchley recorded a huge elephant herd.
The seemingly never-ending stream of elephants immersed themselves in the waterhole for more than five minutes, cooling off, re-hydrating, and munching on a green-tinged meal.
Young individuals can be seen swimming freely, fully immersing themselves in the water, while the rest of the herd loudly trumpets out with delight.
“This is the largest elephant herd I have ever seen,” Graeme said.
It was a fantastic experience, and I hope to see it again.
“They’re wonderful creatures, and I enjoy being around them. ”
Elephants are highly social creatures that make loud trumpeting and growling sounds when they are happy.
“I’m incredibly lucky and fortunate to be able to experience this.”
Adult females are frequently seen assisting one another in maintaining the large herd together.
The cute babies seemed to stick close to their matriarchs, who are thought to be around 50 years old.
“Mothers would have a lot of expertise in keeping a massive herd like this safe and intact.
The number of youngsters in the herd, ranging from a few months to adolescence, is proof of exceptional leadership.
“The young bulls will be forced to leave the herd as they attempt to mate with the females, which upsets them.”
