If elephants could laugh… On a hot summer’s day in Addo, waterholes are packed as the gentle giants come to quench their thirst. Then an attempt at taking a sip turns into a not-so-triumphant nosedive. By Arnold Ras
Where? Addo Elephant National Park: Hapoor waterhole
When? Midday in January with soaring temperatures
In the mix? Some 90 elephants
During South Africa’s sweltering summer months, Addo’s waterholes become a magnet for animals in search of refreshment. Wild traveller Ayesha Cantor was amidst the hustle and bustle when a “particularly big elephant” passed their vehicle heading straight for Hapoor waterhole.
“I would guesstimate there were 90-plus elephants. Groups came trundling in from afar through the spekboom thickets… Great grey blobs, and little ones, all on their way to the waterhole. I’m sure they could hear the happy elephant sounds from great distances,” says Ayesha.
With dozens of ellies coming and going, Ayesha’s camera was ready to snap any intriguing behaviour. “There was so much going on around the waterhole. A particularly big fellow passed right by our car, impressive enough for me to grab a snap. He snatched a quick slurp of water, half-heartedly went in for another and that’s when it happened. He slid in head first. It was like he said: ‘That’s it, I’m going in!’”
We laughed like hyenas! We totally did not expect such a scene to unfold in front of our eyes.
– Ayesha Cantor
Accidental dip?
Whether the elephant bull was planning to get wet, or merely misjudged his balance, the manoeuvre certainly proved hilarious. But with all the frolicking and splashing, few elephants paid attention to the inelegant nosedive. “None of the other ellies really noticed his shenanigans. He wallowed around like a whale for a bit, and then snorkelled off to the other end of the waterhole to join in the water games.”
Also read: Elephant games in Addo
In love with Addo
“I cannot go to Addo without thinking how lucky we are to have this wonderful park right on our doorstep. People come from all over the world to experience scenes like this. To be surrounded by elephants in their numbers, totally unfazed by our presence, is just the most incredible experience.”
Did you know?
- An adult elephant’s trunk can hold 5-10 litres of water.
- Elephants require fresh water daily and will drink 100-200 litres a day.
- Drinking is a social occasion and various family groups may meet at waterholes or rivers.
Additional source: Understanding Elephants. Elephant Specialist Advisory Group. Struik Nature. 2017.
Also read: How to stay safe when watching elephants
Stunning photo’s, we were there in January and spent many hours watching them drink and frolic
What a stunning capture – I don’t blame you for laughing – I just love Ellies and their antics – particularly when there is water involved! Thank you for sharing.
Sometimes we are blessed at being in the right spot at the right time. Thanks for sharing this event of “a gentle giant”.
Hi it’s amazing how the human pleasure button is triggered by the dangerous incidents involving man and beast. What you found so hilarious and funny could have been potentially fatal as the elephants lungs could have collapsed if he did not come out of the nosedive in time. I love ellies too !
Hi Ayesha,
I am an orthopaedic surgeon who only does Knee Surgery. I am doing a study on the elephant’s knee as it is the only mammal that fully straightens and bends its knee, and the elephant knee works the same as the human knee. Would it be possible to use your photos 1, 3, 5 and 6 in your sequence published in “Wild” as they show the flexibility and use of the knee just as humans do?
Kind regards,
Prof Ponky Firer (Dept Orthopaedic Surgery, Witwatersrand University and Linksfield Clinic, Johannesburg)
Can you belueve we nevet gave been to Addo and live right next door? It is a shame….once I tried and could not get the huts I required. Promise, we eill be voming. Ellies, my all time favourites (and rhinos, but not in Addo?)
You all and the Ellues gsve a safe and good time.
I was there in November 2016 with my family.
We also spent many hours at Hapoor to watch them drink and play, it was amazing !!
After seeing a lot of elephants in Kruger we thought we had seen enough of them, but so happy we visited Addo too!!
Would love to go to ado park
😂😂😂Dit is te kostelik om te sien hoe die olifante reageer ons hou hul ook altyd dop as ons gaan kamp Hul is so besorg oor hul babas en oor mekaar gaan altyd terug om te kyk is een vam hul maters ok 🐘
AAAhhh ek voel so jammer vir hom. Hy het seker ook maar verlee gevoel. Lief jou oom olifant!
A really great sequence of pictures – can almost see the embarrassment in the expression on the ellie’s face in the last pic. Such sightings are a treat and should be cherished. Well done !!