Addo herd

From time to time I revisit the thousands of images I took at the end of

08 when I returned to some South African game reserves. I rather like

this one but would be interested in your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

This is a most interesting shot for me Graham....esp since I watched a program on some elephants in a reserve in Kenya...they seemed to be a brownish color. But the story centered around a young one whose Mom had been killed. I learned an amazing amount of info about elephants.  I knew they were intelligent, but this poor wee new one, they were hoping one of the other Mother's would take this one as their own...but none of them would.  In fact they were quite mean to this baby(physically). I felt so sorry for it.  They even showed him laying in a 'barn type enclosure)....and it was sighing and tears were in it's eyes.  They said it was going through the stages of 'grief' just like a human.

Thankfully, a young female that hadn't had any babies put one of her front legs around him when the others were badgering him...and began taking care of this orphan.  This is an excellent shot and reminded me so much of these other elephants.  Your clarity and color are very good.  You must truly enjoy finding a shot as fine as this when  you go back into your 'archive'.  Well done Grayham!  Thank you for sharing....Gail

There is something magical about photographing animals in the wild. The expectation, anticipation the adrenalin rush, the excitement..... it is awesome.

I have not been to a zoo in many years because the animals have sad eyes.

Captivity is not for animals of the wild....... I feel their distress.

Thanks for your visit.

Regards 

What words can one say when you see an image like this or to be present to see such a thing in the first place and photograph it... I have lived in many countries and yet I have not been able to make my way to Africa to the southern part a dream still in the making (one day!).  I am inspired by the shot to fullfill that dream and wanted to thank you for sharing... I also apprecaite the comment on my attempt at bird photography a short stint I must think.  Again thanks for this post and I am envious... MJ

You must be thrilled to capture amazing photos like this, I have always found elephants to have that sad look in there eyes, but have never had the joy of seeing them in the wild, I would love to visit Africa one day and see all the wonderful animals in their natural world, lovely shot.

Ian

Hi Mj...... thank you for your visit and kind comments. Yes, Africa is an amazing place that one only realises when one has left..... sad but true.

Hope you make it over there one day (put on your "Bucket list") Africa is cheap, once you get there.

Regards

Ian...... to film animals in the wild is probably the most awesome experience ever and you must work hard at making your opportunity happen.... Africa is quite cheap once you get there.

There are no sad eyes on these majestic beasts (in the wild).... they are proud and dignified and tolerate the vehicles of humans in their domain. It would be a different "ball game" if one was on foot.

Thank you for your visit and encouraging comments.

Regards