Who Knew Massive Elephants Could Be So Agile?
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, and they can still surprise people with just how nimble they are. Their herds roam across 37 countries in Africa, where these giants spend much of their time searching for food.
There are two species of African elephants, the savanna elephant and the forest elephant, and both are known for their size, strength, and distinctive features. That makes this next moment in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park even more striking, because one bull elephant was caught reaching high into the trees for a snack.
Wildlife photographer Bobby-Jo Vial captured the rare scene on camera, and the photos show a side of elephants that many people never expect to see. Read on.
Continue through to see more incredible pictures of the African elephant captured by Bobby-Jo Vial.
The photographer who captured the rare event said she had never seen anything like this before throughout her career.
The photographer who captured the rare event said she had never seen anything like this before throughout her career.
“It was a fantastic demonstration of pure strength, balance, and agility,” Bobby-Jo Vial said.
“This allowed him to pull down the best branches with ease. This feeding behavior is quite unique to African bull elephants. Mana Pools is one of the few places where people can observe this.”
That is one determined elephant.
And just like the safari driver’s halting truck before the charging elephant killed an American tourist, this moment turned instantly dangerous.
Tasty snack spotted at the Mana Pools
Bobby-Jo continued: “Many years ago, I saw some images coming from Mana Pools of bulls standing up on their hind legs to browse the trees. These bulls were given nicknames such as Fred Astaire and Boswell.”
And the reach begins
“It was so amazing to see a younger, less-known guy practicing this behavior. I am sure it is a learned behavior by watching other bulls. The behavior happens when food is scarce. At this time of year, food is limited in dry areas such as Mana Pools, so elephants have to get inventive when trying to find food,” she explained.
The lighting adds another layer of beauty.
“My friends, family, and followers have loved the images. They are so impressed with this elephant’s balancing act. People have really noticed the gorgeous afternoon light as well.”
Just within reach...
“Many of my friends and family know how passionate I am about elephants and were very happy for me to observe this with my guests.”
Just within reach...
Stretching up just a bit more, and he will have a well-earned snack.
Success!
This bull has a nice trunk full of yummy snacks.
Threatened, but we can help.
Unfortunately, these incredible gentle giants have become a threatened species, mainly due to poaching. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 elephants are killed due to poaching every single year. There are approximately 415,000 African elephants left in the wild.
Elephant populations that once showed signs of recovery could again be at risk due to a surge in poaching for the illegal ivory trade. We can help protect elephants, and the easiest way is to refuse to participate in activities that allow direct contact with these wild animals.
Activities such as bathing, riding, feeding, or even something as simple as touching an elephant mean the animal had to endure horrendous treatment in order to submit to human interaction. Truly, the best way to appreciate these massive creatures is from a distance.
It is a reminder that even the biggest animals can be vulnerable.
Before you think elephants are graceful only in photos, watch the buffalo flip a lion into the air mid-attack.
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