I can’t think of another reserve in South Africa where the elephants are quite so relaxed around humans and their vehicles as they are in the Addo Elephant National Park. Of course this allows visitors to observe up close just how dexterously elephants use their trunks – and feet! – to uproot even tiny morsels of tasty plants.
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
Marveling at the skill of an elephant uprooting plants to feed on
DeWetsWild 
Die naby skote van die ou grote laat mens net weer besef hoe groot hulle is!
En daar’s nie n beter plek as Addo waar hulle so naby aan n mens kom om dit regtig in lewende lywe te ervaar nie!
Fantasties!
Kathydoremus comment above told me something that I really didn’t need to know about elephants. I don’t see elephants often here in the U.S., but when I do, it’s in a zoo. If they are active, it is fun to watch them use that trunk.
I think elephants are fascinating. I remember watching one use his trunk once and thinking, “Now, that is amazing!” Then, he proceeded to use his trunk to pick up his…well…his poop…and throw it all over himself, and I thought, “Remind me to never kiss an elephant’s trunk!”
It seems extraordinary intelligence does not equal good manners after all! 😀
These are interesting photographs of these fascinating animals.
Thanks very much, Anne!
Fabulous study of this amazing animal’s dexterity. Terrific close-ups. Enjoy this reserve, Dries!
Thank you, Jane! Addo’s a fabulous place for many reasons, but the photogenic elephants must be at the top of the list.
Sjoe dis nou werklik besonderse mooi fotos. So naby,so duidelik. Is asof hul vir jou gewag het om te neem.
Addo se olifante speel blykbaar graag saam met fotograwe, Ineke! 😀
Lekker voor op die wa.
If the word isn’t inappropriate for animals so big, these close-ups are adorable. 🙂 They made me smile widely. I’m looking forward to the upcoming elephant days.
janet
I think elephants are adorable, Janet! And so many other positive words too.
These giants are capable of removing a tree from the ground as easy as plucking a single grass blade from a grassy patch. Incredible! Nice post, D. 🙂
Thank you, H.J, and you are so right about their abilities.
Great photos, Dries. Elephants, whilst being such huge animals are also very dexterous. The way they use their trunks is amazing.
That really is so true, Sylvia. Nothing seems too small for that trunk to pick up.
You know these are my favorites. Elephants and hippos. The big girls.
You are in for a treat over the next few days, Lois, as there’s lots of elephant photos coming!
Lovely series, fascinating creatures.
Indeed they are!