In a delightful display of playfulness, a young elephant calf was spotted pushing its friend underwater while trying to ride on its back.
While the adult elephants relaxed, the energetic calf was eager to join in the fun. Using its trunk as a snorkel, it swam around the pool, clearly enjoying the water. The little one then jumped onto the back of a slightly older elephant, attempting to hitch a ride.
The joyful splashing came to an end when the elephants moved away from the water, seeking refuge in the shade of a large tree nearby.
Australian photographer Inger Vandyke, 47, who currently resides in Clitheroe, Lancashire, captured these moments.
Reflecting on the experience, Inger shared, “I’ve seen some amusing moments with baby elephants over the years, but this one stands out as particularly funny. That little elephant acted like everyone’s mischievous younger sibling.”
Inger recounted how the encounter happened: “After an early morning safari, we noticed a small herd approaching a waterhole near our vehicle. Initially, we thought they were just thirsty. Instead, they all jumped in for a refreshing swim, enjoying the full waterhole during the hot day.”
She continued, “Watching the baby elephant was the highlight. It struggled to navigate through the group, using its trunk as a snorkel whenever it got submerged. Eventually, it broke free and began to play with older young elephants, frequently jumping on their backs while they tried to shake it off. At one point, it even tried to wrap its trunk around another elephant’s head for support.”
Though the lively swim lasted only about ten minutes, it left a lasting impression on Inger. “It was the most entertaining moment of our trip, and we wished it could have lasted longer,” she said.
Unfortunately, the herd eventually emerged from the water and retreated to the comfort of the shade.
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