We all know how much children like teasing each other, and it appears that the elephant kingdom is no exception.
Four newborn elephants stack up after being separated from their mother for a spell, as seen in these magnificent photographs.
Before opting to hang out, the ‘tiny’ giants weighing up to 300kg would drink water while their mother cooled off.
The photographs were shot on the banks of the Ghwarrie Dam in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
When the mother noticed the youngsters fighting, she dashed in to stop the fun before anybody was wounded.
Ayesha Cantor, who was out on a day excursion when she was captured, said:
“We’d been sitting by the dam for more than an hour, watching various family groups come in for a drink and a good time, then go.”
Ayesha Cantor, who was out on a day excursion when she was captured, said:
“We’d been sitting by the dam for more than an hour, watching various family groups come in for a drink and a good time, then go.”
“We had almost decided to go when I turned around for one final look and hurriedly screamed for my husband to halt when I observed two young people having a deep conversation — another shot transformed into a herd of elephants.”
“I’ve heard and watched two babies play in a short amount of time, but never four in such a long time.”
“They push their limits in the same way as children do. They learn their limits and how to behave within their family group via play.
“We witnessed precisely how humans play, which is incredibly humorous and lively.” It’s incredible to witness wild creatures having such a good time.”
“Having been on the receiving end of a human pile-on, you can bet I’m relieved it’s not that little Ellie at the bottom of this one.”