If you’re looking for the epitome of confidence, look no further than an elephant bull in its prime. In this video, we witness a magnificent bull in all his swaggering glory.
Anton Lategan submitted this amazing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at Pridelands Game Reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park.
A heavenly name
As we join Anton at the sighting, we encounter a beautiful sight. As the sun sets over the Drakensberg Mountains, an elephant bull strolls across a clearing.
But this, as you’ll soon see, is no ordinary elephant bull. Many call him Ezulwini, which means “Place of Heaven”. His admirers call him Big Ez.
Super tusker
As he gets closer to Anton’s camera, it’s hard to miss his most obvious attribute. Big Ez sports a magnificent pair of tusks, so large that he qualifies as a super tusker.
Although officials do not publish the tusks’ exact dimensions for security reasons, they likely weigh more than 45 kilograms (100+ lbs) each.
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The Duke approaches
People widely regard Big Ez as an elephant artistocrat, the Duke of Pridelands. At 45-50 years old, he is in his sexual prime and one of the dominant bulls in the area.
Making him all the more beloved is a generally gentle temperament and innate curiosity about his surroundings. This may explain why he advances straight towards the camera.
Face-to-face with a living giant
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As we come face-to-face with the world’s biggest land mammal, his presence awes us. Male elephants can stand over 3.6 metres (12 ft) at the shoulder and weigh up to six tons.
Of course, Ezulwini is completely at ease given his size and rank. As such, he shows only curiosity as he gets within a few feet of the camera.
In fact, he gets so close that we can count the wrinkles and hairs on his trunk. Unfortunately, we don’t know if the camera was handheld or operated remotely.
Subsequently, our view is blurred as the bull rubs his body against the lens. Miraculously, he doesn’t smash it to bits.
Impressive from all angles
After blocking out the sun for a few seconds, we are rewarded with an up-close view of Ezulwini’s equally impressive backside.
And this is a great time to share a fun fact. An elephant’s wrinkles trap moisture, playing a vital role in keeping them cool, as they cannot sweat.
Watching the Duke of Pridelands continue on his way, we can’t help but feel honoured to have shared in such an intimate encounter with this icon of the African landscape.
As he quietly departs and our heart rates slow, the warm light of Africa imbues us with a sense of contentment and peace.
