There is no question that it is a privilege to view the wildlife living in our national parks. In this video, a caring elephant mom holds up traffic while she escorts her precious calf across the road.
Ingela Larsson Smith shared this lovely footage with Latest Sightings. She enjoyed the experience on the H4-2, about 7 km north of Crocodile Bridge
Curious behaviour
As we join Ingela at her sighting, we see a female elephant standing on the road in the midst of a downpour. Initially, she looks to the left and seems focused on something hidden from view.
Wisely, Ingela and her companion have stopped a good distance from the elephant. After all, wildlife is unpredictable, so it is always best to give it plenty of space.
The crossing guard
Moments later, the cow moves to the middle of the road, and we realise what she was doing. As her calf comes into view, it seems she was encouraging it to follow her onto the road.
Ever cautious in caring for her offspring, the cow presents herself side-on to the approaching traffic. She wants to make sure they see her, and she would do the same towards any other species she perceived as a potential threat.
Join our WhatsApp group with thousands of members from our community to ensure you never miss another interesting moment, like this elephant mom shepherding her calf across the road. https://latestsightings.com/whatsapp-updates
Right of way
By this time, a few vehicles have arrived and, in accordance with park regulations, have stopped. Park officials require visitors to give al wildlife the right of way.
And it is just as well, as the calf appears uncertain what to do now that it is on the road. Instead of crossing, it stands there, possibly trying to decide what to make of the strange objects nearby.
Telling tails
Did you know that you can tell a lot about an elephant’s mood by looking at its tail? In the image beliow, note how the mother’s tail hangs loose and motionless, while the calf holds its tail nearly horizontatlly.
In the case of the cow, her limp tail tells us that she is relaxed. By contrast, the calf’s raised tail indicates that it is agitated.
In a similar vein, elephants use their ears, trunks, and bodies to visually communicate. Learning what each posture means goes a long way to being able to safely appreciating their complex communities.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Mind your manners
After a few moments, the cow gently shepherds her calf to the far side of the road. It is lovely to see that even though the elephants are nearly off the road, the motorists don’t rush them.
All too often, visitors rush around the park in pursuit of “something better”. To truly appreciate the park and its inhabitants, we suggest minding your manners and letting the place reveal itself to you in its own time.
Considerate coexistence
Having safely seen her calf over the road, Mom stops to strip a few leaves from a nearby bush. Adult elephants must consume upwards of 150 kilograms of vegetation per day.
Consequently, as Ingela moves on, both elephants are browsing peacefully nearby.
Accordingly, by giving the animals space, they reassure them that they pose no threat. As such, they continue with their normal behaviour, a great example of harmonious coexistence.
