An Elephant Story

Whilst cruising on the Chobe River during the last tour, a herd of elephant came into view. Once they moved apart . . .





. . . a tiny elephant came into view - & it was battling to cross a ditch.






Obviously noticing how the tiny youngster battled, other elephants moved closer - appearing really concerned & prepared to somehow assist.




The tiny elephant didn't appear to notice this & instead reached for sustenance = "comfort food". . . .





. . . whilst two elephants "demonstarted" how it could be done = how to cross an obstacle with a "little help from a friend".





The little one didn't appear impressed, though . . .







. . . and again reached high for comfort = sustenance - whilst its mother patiently waited for her youngster to "learn a trick or two".




Eventually her patience was rewarded & the little one did manage to cross the ridge of the ditch = "mission accomplished" . . . .




. . . but the youngster was obviously exhausted & again moved underneath the protective "shield" of its mother's large body = resting in the shade for a moment.




Eventually the elephants moved on - now that the tiny one had mastered the obstacle - but its mother still protectively assisted her youngster along.








Bravely now the little one demonstrated that it was able to follow in the footsteps of the larger "trailblazers" . . .






. . . whilst we had one last glimpse and sighed in relief that this story had a "perfect" ending.