In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a captivating and somewhat unusual scene unfolded, shedding light on the intricate behaviors of one of the park’s most majestic inhabitants — the elephant.
A photograph сарtᴜгed the moment when an elephant was observed defecating on her baby’s һeаd.
The photographs were taken in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
The images were taken in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, where local Ьeɩіefѕ suggest that an elephant defecating on its baby’s һeаd serves as both a bonding ritual and contributes to enhancing the infant’s immune system.
It was during a dry and challenging season that wildlife photographer Jens Cullman found himself witnessing a remarkable moment of maternal care and survival in the animal kingdom. In a series of photographs, Jens captured the astonishing sight of a mother elephant inadvertently depositing feces on her baby’s head.
This peculiar act, though seemingly bizarre to onlookers, ho
Photographer Jens provided further details on the captivating behavior сарtᴜгed in the photos, explaining, “When the baby gets dung on it, it serves to enhance the baby’s immune system, and perhaps it also forms a kind of bonding with the mother.”
lds significant cultural and biological significance in the local beliefs of Mana Pools. According to insights shared with Jens, this act is not only considered a bonding ritual between mother and calf but is also believed to contribute to the enhancement of the infant’s immune system.
“I’ve heard that when the baby gets dung on it, it helps boost its immune system, and perhaps it’s a form of bonding with the mother as well,” Jens explained, offering a glimpse into the intriguing dynamics of elephant behavior in the wild.
In a poignant revelation, Jens disclosed that the mother elephant appeared ‘very thin’ as a consequence of an enduring dry season in the park.
However, amidst the fascination of witnessing this ritual, Jens also revealed a harsh reality that plagues the park — the devastating effects of a severe dry season. The mother elephant, though demonstrating remarkable maternal instincts, appeared visibly thin, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife during times of scarcity.
“In Mana Pools this year, it was exceedingly dry, and many animals suffered. The mother elephant was noticeably thin,” Jens lamented, highlighting the toll that the drought had taken on the park’s inhabitants, including the tragic loss of numerous elephants and their offspring.
Despite the hardships endured, Jens expressed admiration for the resilience and determination exhibited by the mother elephant and her calf. Through his lens, he documented their relentless search for sustenance amid the parched landscape, capturing moments of tenderness and survival against all odds.
The scarcity resulting from the сһаɩɩeпɡіпɡ dry season foгсed the mother and baby to dedicate their entire day to searching for any accessible food.
“I followed them because I appreciate these two elephants. I captured these endearing shots of the calf next to the mother’s massive foot,” Jens shared, emphasizing the profound connection he felt with these magnificent creatures.
In a world where the struggle for survival is ever-present, the bond between mother and offspring, as witnessed in the Mana Pools National Park, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and beauty of nature in the face of adversity.