Image #16 Savanna Elephants: Tanzania Africa

Elephants are simply majestic. Shortly before I took this photo, the baby elephant in the picture chased our jeep howling and screaming at us. The baby elephant’s Mother upset at her child’s behavior, chased after the baby elephant, scolded him and forced him back in line with the other elephants. I feel certain that many parents can relate.

The African savanna elephant is the largest living land animal and can weigh up to 11 tons. Their tusks curve out and point forward, and their ears can grow as large as 21 square feet. The diet consists of bark, leaves, branches and grass. Elephants live in family groups that consist of the oldest, most experienced female, the matriarch and other females of various ages and their young. Males only join the herd when a female is sexually receptive and otherwise lives alone or in bachelor groups. Elephants are in constant communication with each other by using either the larynx or the trunk. Some elephants can detect infrasonic vibrations from as far as two miles.

“This image would not have been possible without the assistance of our highly skilled guide, Themistocles Bamwenda. He shared his world of knowledge of animal facts, animal behavior and information on how animals interact with the environment, with each other and the Tanzanian culture. Themi was also very mindful of protecting us from the danger that one can encounter when near animals freely roaming in the wilderness.

Approximately 90 percent of the Tanzanians strongly believe in the protection and preservation of their nations’ wildlife, and many participate in advocacy projects, working to protect animal life and preserve their famous national parks; in addition, the Tanzanians carefully measure and plan for others to have the experience of a safari and a lot is involved behind the scenes. Tanzanians engage in a tireless devotion and selfless, around-the-clock labor of love for the preservation of the environment so that tourists can have the experience and bear witness.

My encounter with the Tanzanian people and their culture and with the country’s beautiful animals was a magical experience. It was an honor, and I will forever be grateful for the memories.”

Resources: Clutton-Brock, Juliet; Kim Dennis-Byran; and Don W. Wilson. 2001.
Carnivores. In Animal, edited by David Burnie and Don E. Wilson. 1 ed. New York: DK Publishing.
Kainen, Dan, and Carol Kaufmann 2012.
Lion. In Safari: A Photicular Book. New York:
Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
Tanzania Safari Guide: Themistocles Bamwenda