The memorable sighting was filmed by Jonathan Rogoff in the Pilanesberg National Park.
Elephant herds are highly social groups, usually led by an experienced adult female known as the matriarch.
They are generally made up of related females and their calves, with younger elephants learning essential survival skills by observing older members.
They often work together to protect calves, especially when predators or other threats are nearby. In this instance, they kept the calves among them safe from a well-hidden crocodile.
Jonathan described how he and his fellow game viewers had been watching the elephants peacefully walking alongside the large body of water when the action unfolded: “We were watching a large herd a elephants walking around the Batlhako Dam, unaware that they were walking directly into the path of a 4 metre crocodile basking in the sun”
For the elephants it really was business as usual as they walked along. They might’ve expected a crocodile to be in the water or on the banks, however, this one caught them by surprise. This is because it was fairly far way from the water, and it was well hidden by the long grass.
Elephants show visible surprise on encountering croc
The elephants showed visible surprise on encountering the crocodile, and kept the younger elephants close to them.
“It was incredible to watch the surprised reactions of the elephants as they walked into the croc,” said Jonathan.
This ‘surprise’ element was played out again and again as the different herd members walked past the croc in turn.
On encountering the croc, the herd members visibly showed their protective nature towards their little ones.
Opportunistic croc not out of the ordinary
A crocodile being seen out of the water and on land is not unusual, as these powerful reptiles regularly leave rivers, dams and waterholes for a variety of reasons.
One of the most common is basking, when crocodiles lie in the sun to raise their body temperature because, as ectothermic animals, they rely on external heat to regulate it.
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They may also venture onto land simply to rest, particularly on warm, quiet banks where they are undisturbed.
Crocodiles sometimes travel considerable distances over land when moving between water sources, especially when water levels drop or seasonal conditions change.
During these movements, they can appear surprisingly far from the nearest body of water.
Land can also provide opportunities for hunting, with crocodiles sometimes positioning themselves near the water’s edge where unsuspecting animals come to drink.
These elephants were far too big for the crocodile; however they were definitely ‘unsuspecting’!
Away from the croc and ready to swim!
Having safely passed the croc, the herd members made their way down towards the water, where some of them entered its cool depths for a good swim and moment of refreshment.
Elephants love water and water often brings out their more playful side.
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