The dry season is now coming to an end, and October usually means that the very first occasional rain falls set in. Sometimes we have to wait until November though for the first rain. Fingers crossed that it comes early this year, it has been a long and dry season now, and animals are finding it harder to find food and water. While we have many water lakes, and they still carry plenty of water, many animals prefer to dig for water in the dry river beds, as it is safer for them, or just more convenient.
Mike and his guests witnessed this first-hand yesterday. They were at a dry river bed, and the entire herd of elephants arrived and started digging at a river low point for water. Their sense of smell is so strong that they know where the water is flowing close to the surface. Even during the dry season, when all riverbeds are dry, the water is always flowing not too far deep down underneath the river bed, and elephants know how to use that to their advantage.
It was particularly interesting to observe the behavior of the youngsters amongst them, and a very shy baby elephant trying to hide behind her mother’s legs. They know they are vulnerable still at that age, and they seek protection from their mother at all times.
Many thanks to Mike for taking these amazing shots, it made my day!
