Elephants are absolutely incredible creatures. They’re intelligent, they’re funny; they really don’t “ever forget,” and they’re capable of great kindness and compassion. We humans like to think we’re unique in our ability to problem-solve, think critically, build family units and form social bonds, but in reality, elephants are giving us a run for our money in all the races— and frankly, when it comes to being kind to one another, they just might be winning. Just look at this sweet example from South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
The world-renowned, nearly-5 million-acre (2 million hectare) park is home to an incredible array of species, including 147 mammals like lions, buffalo, rhinos and leopards. It’s probably safe to say, though, that the member of the “big five” most visitors are most excited to see are the elephants, especially elephant calves. They’re just so funny and cute, and their experiences encountering the wider world and things they don’t understand are just as sweet and endearing as those of any human child. And for baby elephants at Kruger National Park, the wide network of bike trails, hiking paths, and roads designed to safely ferry tourists in and out provides all kinds of opportunities to explore and discover.
They also provide lots of opportunities to get into trouble.
Such was the scenario for one little elephant one particularly hot day. She approached the road, and then suddenly, she seemed unwilling or unable to go any further.
At first, it seems like yet another adorable moment – “Oh, silly baby, just sitting down in inconvenient places!” – but it quickly becomes clear to all of the tourists in the stopped vehicles, and to us, that there’s actually something wrong.
This baby elephant isn’t just sitting down for fun or playing around on the road. No, it’s very clear that she’s actually collapsing on the road, whether from the heat, dehydration, or exhaustion. The poor little thing just couldn’t go another step, and so just stopped.
This scenario poses a challenge to the people waiting in their cars. Though, thankfully, all of them seem incredibly patient and respectful of the little calf, it’s also easy to imagine feeling helpless and unsure in that situation. What’s actually the best thing to do? Let nature take its course, or interfere? Wait and hope that a park employee or veterinarian shows up, or attempt to do something yourself? It’s hard to know what’s really right in this situation, especially considering that it’s happening in a nature preserve, not an artificial environment like a zoo. What do you think YOU would have done?
We imagine that the people waiting and watching on the road that day struggled with their decision, but thankfully, they didn’t have to wait and wonder long— because here comes the rest of the herd.
Never fear, mama’s here! And she’s bringing reinforcements. The rest of the elephant family really rallies to help this calf move on, with encouragement from aunties and even a little bit of peer pressure from another calf! Watch the full video to see how it all turns out for this little girl, and for a reminder of just how awesome elephants, and nature, really are.