The video shows an elephant herd taking a cooling bath at the local waterhole. The tiny baby elephant, of course, wants to join its family (we all know that baby elephants looove water.)
Initially, first hiding behind its larger family members for protection, we lose sight of the baby, and for quite some time, it doesn’t seem unlikely it has either been trampled to death or drowned in the commotion.
At last, the baby elephant breaks through the water’s surface and makes it safely back onto dry land.
Did You Know That Baby Elephants Can’t Swim?
Contrary to what many might think, baby elephants are not born swimmers. They must learn this skill over several months, with close supervision from their mothers.
South African researchers in elephant conservation have observed that during these initial months, baby elephants often struggle with buoyancy and coordination, making any water crossing a potentially hazardous endeavor.
It Also Takes Some Time To Get That Trunk Under Control
For a baby elephant, mastering the use of its trunk is a significant developmental milestone. In their early months, these calves often opt to lower their heads to drink water directly, as they gradually learn to maneuver their trunks.
Mastering the use of their trunks is essential, not just for feeding and drinking but also for social interactions and self-defense.
One of Many Amazing Sights in Kruger National Park
This captivating scene is just one of many that unfold daily in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a haven for an array of wildlife, including a substantial elephant population.
Rough estimates suggest that there are over 13,000 elephants living and thriving at the Kruger.
Covering over 7,500 square miles, the park is home to diverse ecosystems and offers visitors the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Make Sure You Know the Proper Safari Etiquette
- Maintain a safe distance from animals, especially during sightings.
- Do not block traffic lanes, and don’t drive next to animals as they walk down roads.
- Limit time spent at each sighting to enable others to enjoy the experience.
- Stay on designated roads and remain inside your vehicle at all times (as soon as you leave the vehicle, animals will perceive you as a threat.)
- Avoid making loud noises or playing music.
- Be especially mindful of the environment and wildlife during night drives.
- Follow the instructions of the skilled and experienced park rangers.
Tiny Baby Elephant Almost Drowns: Conclusion
This remarkable footage from Kruger National Park illustrates the many lessons that a tiny little baby elephant has to learn in the first few months of its life. Although they love water, splashing about can easily turn into a life-threatening situation for them.
Thank you for reading this article about the tiny baby elephant that almost drowns! For more posts like this, take a look here:
- Watch: Hangry Baby Elephant had a Rough Day
- Watch How This Baby Elephant Attempts to Take on Massive Hippo
- Buffaloes Rescue Baby Elephant from Lions
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