A joyful scene unfolded as a large herd of African bush elephants, once on the brink of extinction, splashed around in a muddy waterhole at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa.
These elephants, now numbering around 100, played and wallowed in the mud as a testament to their remarkable recovery from the devastating impacts of hunting a century ago.
Among the playful herd were around 15 young calves, some clumsily slipping in the mud while an attentive adult elephant helped one struggling calf climb out of the water.
This vibrant herd, basking in the freedom of Addo’s protected lands, highlights the success of conservation efforts that have helped these elephants survive and thrive.
Historically, elephants roamed freely across South Africa. However, the arrival of European settlers in 1652 marked the beginning of an era of large-scale hunting. The ivory trade decimated elephant populations, leaving only a small group in the dense Addo bush.
In the early 1900s, the elephants’ presence clashed with farmers’ citrus orchards, leading to government-sanctioned hunts. By 1918, only about 100 elephants remained, and hunting reduced this number to just 13.
They found refuge in Addo Elephant National Park, established to safeguard their dwindling population. Today, ongoing programs aim to expand their gene pool, ensuring the herd’s future.
The recent mud bath was captured by Nic van Oudtshoorn, an Australian wildlife photographer and filmmaker.
“It was a hot, sunny morning when a massive group of elephants—at least 100—headed straight for the waterhole,” Oudtshoorn recounted.
“There were about 15 calves in the mix, and from around 200 yards away, I could hear their trumpeting and splashing as they rolled, butted each other, and flung mud over themselves.”
The elephants weren’t just playing; the mud also cooled and protected their skin from the intense African sun.
Lacking sweat glands, elephants cool down by pumping blood through their large ears, which act like radiators.
Oudtshoorn described the scene as both entertaining and heartwarming, especially watching the older elephants ensure the calves’ safety as they slipped and slid in the mud.
After nearly 40 minutes of splashing, the elephants moved on from the waterhole. Reflecting on the experience, Oudtshoorn remarked, “In all my years of filming wildlife, this was one of the most endearing and unforgettable moments.”
Thanks to conservation efforts, the elephants of Addo have made an incredible comeback, and the mud bath captures both their resilience and the joy of a species thriving in a haven.
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