Elephants relax and splash in river during hot day

Elephants are beautiful and peaceful creatures. Despite their great size, they are gentle and docile beasts, when not feeling threatened. They are an animal that inspires awe and wonder in all who see them.

These elephants live on a protected safari where they are free to roam and enjoy playtime in the river on a sunny day.

Indian elephants can reach a height of 3.5m (11.5ft) and a weight of over 5,000kg (11,000lbs). They are classified as megaherbivores, consuming up to 150kg of plants each day. They are picky eaters, consuming fresh shoots and tender stalks while discarding roots and more fibrous portions of their food. They are skilled at using their trunks like hands to manipulate their food.

Expansion of human population and degradation of suitable elephant habitat remains a serious threat to these beautiful animals. Habitat loss leads to increasing conflict between elephants and humans in many areas.

Sadly, elephants are still hunted for their ivory, despite laws that are aimed at protecting them. This leads to a decline, particularly in the numbers of males, reducing not only the population of elephants, but the gene pool as well.

Watching these majestic creatures in the river gives us a wonderful view of the beauty and magnificence of these gentle giants. To lose them forever would be beyond tragic.