National Geographic: Reflections on Elephants Page #4

---

And still the matriarch

doesn't lead them away.

They need water before attempting

the long journey ahead.

In their eagerness to drink,

the smaller,

adopted calf is shoved over

the edge and into the mud.

Now the danger of a buffalo

stampede is even greater than before.

The thick mud sucks

at the calf's back legs.

Following the matriarch's lead

they all climb into the mud to help.

Desperate attempts to break down

the bank only make the problem worse.

The two females combine efforts,

using tusks and trunks like shovels

to keep the calf from drowning,

while another digs a ramp.

Together the two females squeeze

and push at the calf.

The suction underneath is

suddenly released

and the calf is free at last.

They tenderly reassure

and smell the youngster,

rescued for the second time

in his life.

The concerned herd now bunches

against the converging buffalo

Outrage runs like wildfire

among the herds,

sparking explosions of aggression.

But the buffalo keep pouring

out of the forest,

and dust hangs like smoke

on a battlefield.

The contest is finally resolved.

As the dust settles,

the buffalo disperse.

Somewhere in the confusion,

a young buffalo was struck

heavily in the head and side.

The calf is doomed,

injured beyond hope.

The two calves move off

with the herd.

Having avoided a

muddy death themselves.

The young buffalo's broken

body is left behind.

It causes some concern to the

departing elephants,

Suggesting an awareness

of in jury and death,

even of other species.

Like huge cathedrals

or ancient monoliths,

The solid shapes

block out the sun.

A long way from the

congregating female herds,

the bulls gently sway to a

rhythmic dance of the giants

A shuffle of constant adjustment

in a display of dominance

and submission.

Each one of these bulls has a rank

each responds to the next one.

Every newcomer to the

gathering provokes a reaction

that flashes through the

memories of all the contestants.

Anyone unsure of his status

soon learns the rules of

this tournament of giants.

Status is determined

by body size, rage;

tusks have little to do with it.

The contest is for water,

as usual.

In a classic bull area like Savuti,

up to 200 elephants compete

for this one resource.

In this melee they must constantly

be aware of who is around

A sensitive tail is an advantage.

With their head used like

huge medieval maces,

bodies jostle and tusks joust

for precious liquid.

This struggle may seem like a

chaotic free-for-all.

But with each changing combination,

the field plan of the hierarchy is reset

in a surprisingly orderly fashion

One ghostly form is excluded

from the commotion.

His gaunt features and

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes