Elephants were seen cleaning themselves in a way that suggested they were applying human suncream to their skin. They covered themselves in thick layers of white mud to protect themselves from the harsh UV light – just like humans.
Anja Denker is a wildlife photographer and artist from Windhoek, Namibia, who recently photographed a group of elephants at the Etosha National Park.
Elephants utilize their tusks to dig holes in the mud and then plaster their bodies with it as a method of caring for their skin and shielding themselves from the harsh sun.
“I’ve been photographing the so-called “white” elephants of Etosha for a few years now.” Anja continued.
“Despite their enormous size and white appearance, they are always excellent photo opportunities owing to their tremendous height.
I’ve had a few interactions with them lately as they douse themselves and other animals with water at various waterholes, and it’s simply wonderful to see them splashing around in the white mud.
It’s always exciting when you reach proximity to them on the highway or when they pass your car.
“Their enormous size is frightening, but they’ve always been kind, and I’ve never had a problem when being in their presence.”
