The lion may be the king of the jungle, but most lions don't mess with elephants especially when they are protected within their herd. One thing elephants are very good at, is protecting their young. The patriarchs look after the whole herd, roaming on the outskirts and keeping an eye out for potential dangers. And the matriarchs keep the young ones close to them for protection. Within the herd, there is always great strength. This shot was taken in a private conservancy, bordering Kruger National Park, so we were able to get reasonably close to the elephants as they crossed the river. Here a mother and young adult are protecting a baby who had just been born the day before. The baby was so cute as it frolicked in the shallow water beneath its mother. Under the protection of his loving mother and the rest of the herd, this young one is oblivious to danger. I tried to get closer still, but the herd closed ranks as if to say, That s close enough!

Catalog Number: ZWCF025744
Edition: 300
Image Ratio: 4:3