This image of a baby elephant learning to walk is proof of the old adage – the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
A 200lb week-old baby was pictured collapsing under its own weight as it tried to walk alongside its mother at Samburu National Park in Kenya.
Taken by Margot Raggett, the images show a mother elephant patiently wandering beside her baby as it wobbled and collapsed as it learns to walk.
She said: ‘Baby elephants are one of my favorite species to photograph; they are so adorable.
‘If they’re not playing and naughty, they’ll act like clowns while trying to find their feet.
‘This boy completely lost his leg on the dry riverbed and then when he tried to get up he proceeded to examine one of his feet as if he were to blame it falling over.’
She added: ‘Meanwhile, the mother patiently continued to graze, although you could see her watching the baby from the corner of her eye.
Adult elephants take great care of the calves, helping them climb steep banks and protecting them from predators.
If a calf loses its mother for some reason, the other female in the group will take care of it.
Elephants are endangered throughout Africa due to po.ac.hing, including in Kenya, where these pictures were taken.
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