Wheп it comes to elephaпt water births, it really does take a herd
It takes a whoppiпg 22 moпths to make aп elephaпt, so every пew arrival is a momeпtoυs occasioп. Bυt this sightiпg iп Soυth Africa’s Krυger Natioпal Park was a delivery with a differeпce: it’s пot every day yoυ see aп elephaпt water birth.
Captured by photographer Dan Streck, the encounter actually occurred a few years ago, but the images have recently gained widespread attention after being shared by South African National Parks (SANParks) on its Facebook page.
The female elephant chose the waters of the Olifants River, a popular gathering place for thirsty herds, for the significant delivery – and significant it was: after the longest-known gestation period of any mammal (up to 680 days!), newborns emerge weighing around 230 pounds (105 kilograms).
“The initial image captures the amniotic sac before delivery,” Streck explains. “Afterward, the elephants congregated in a phalanx around the baby.”
Although it didn’t take long for the newborn to splash down into the water, the entire process wasn’t without a few hitches. Despite the shallowness of the river at this spot, the baby initially floundered, Streck recalls.
“An elder female intervened, collaborating with the mother to lift the baby’s head above water. As the baby slowly regained its balance and began to move unsteadily.”
Scientist Michelle Henley from Elephants Alive notes that water births of this nature are seldom witnessed, emphasizing the importance of assistance and guidance from the more seasoned members of the herd.
“The older, more experienced cow played a crucial role in aiding the baby’s first breath,” Henley explains. “If the elephants were younger, inexperienced, and fewer in number, crocodiles could pose a significant threat.”
Henley reflects on the significance of elephant social ties and the pivotal role experienced matriarchs play in the survival and welfare of the entire herd—a vital function threatened by poaching’s devastating impact on Africa’s elephant populations.
“Poaching tragically targets the eldest elephants with the largest tusks first, risking the loss of these ‘mentors of motherhood’. We must strive for their endurance to safeguard the elephants and their societal structure. These images eloquently portray their importance,” she observes.
This fortunate young elephant benefited from the protective efforts of the herd. After about an hour of stumbling and unsteady movements, the baby regained its footing, and the mother successfully guided it towards the riverbank.