Of all African wildlife, elephant sightings probably offer the most entertainment value. In this video, three youngsters throw their weight around at the waterhole.
Loretta submitted this cute video to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park.
Watch the video here:
Fun for the whole family
There are few things elephants enjoy more than a visit to the waterhole. Not only do they get to drink, it is also a chance to have some fun with their family groups.
As Loretta’s video begins, we see a small breeding herd of elephants as they prepare to leave the water. Elephants generally drink twice daily, often using the opportunity to cool themselves by bathing.
Mom & calf lead the way
Leading the departure, a mother and her young calf reach dry land. Judging by its height relative to its mother’s belly, we can tell that the calf is less than a year old.
The calf is not yet weaned and depends on the herd for all of its needs. At the same time, it is actively exploring its place in the world that surrounds it.
Subsequently, as the little one passes its mother, it spots some shapes hiding in the shade nearby. It is a herd of impala, seeking respite from the hot African sun.
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Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll protect you!!!
As the calf spots the harmless antelopes, he seems to get a fright. But, being the big, brave boy that he is, he doesn’t hesitate to confront the “threat”.
Trumpeting for all he is worth, the calf rushes at the impala, who politely shuffle away. Meanwhile, the calf’s siblings have noticed the commotion.
Consequently, they too rush to the defence of their family. With their ears flared and trunks waving wildly, they’re mimicking the mock charges of adults seeking to intimidate perceived threats.
Nonetheless, whether too hot or just not scared by the calves’ antics, the impala refuse to leave their shady shelter. If anything, the antelope just want to be left in peace until they, too, can head down for a drink.
Time to cool off
Meanwhile, the elephants make their way to a nearby mud wallow. As the calves collapse into the thick, cool mud, they forget about their concerns regarding the antelopes.
On hot days like this, swimming and wallowing are useful in helping elephants regulate their body temperatures. Their massive size and inefficient perspiration mechanism mean that without water, they could overheat dangerously.
Soon, the whole herd gathers at the wallow. While the youngsters roll in the mud, the adults use their trunks to spray mud over their bodies.
The mud provides a natural coolant by filling the wrinkles in the elephant’s skin with moisture and coating it with a protective layer from the sun. Additionally, as the mud dries, it sets around parasites, which fall off when the mud dries.
Next time you visit a national park, be sure to spend some time at a waterhole. There’s always some interesting behaviour going on, especially when the elephants come to visit.