JUST ANOTHER DAY IN AFRICA

[RobynG]

An old friend of mine who used to live in Zambia sent me the most astonishing photographs of elephants at Mfuwe Lodge, South Luanga National Park, Zambia. The lodge was unwittingly built on the herds migratory path to some wild mango trees on the property. The dozen or so elephants aren't going to let a little thing like that hinder them. They lumber through the reception area at least twice a day for 4 weeks or so and then sporadically for another 3 weeks to feed on the mango trees. Apparently over the years the elephants have become very relaxed and often explore the reception area. Everybody treats them with the utmost respect and no incidents have been reported to date!

All the photographs belong to Mfuwe Lodge. To see more go to www.mfuwelodge.com/gallery_elephants.htm

To see elephants of a different kind see here http://artpropelled.blogspot.com/2008/09/you-can-buy-my-heart-and-my-soul.html

[RobynG]

Susan, that is the best part...just letting them be. It really leaves one with a good feeling.

Jules, nothing was going to deter them from their migratory path. I wonder what they would have done if there had been no opening with a foyer straight through to the other side. Amazing how that memory is stored until a year later when they return on exactly the right day to harvest ripe mangoes.

DJ, they are protected in some areas but not sure how long this will last.

[DJ]

Majestic animals...they have such interesting hearts and minds....they should be protected...

[Jules]

Thanks for sharing this Robyn- as well as the wooden elephants from your link.
I find it very interesting that the elephants use the path established by previous generations to get to the mangos- no matter how much it has changed by the addition of a building

[Susan Hosken]

Thanks so much for sharing the elephants and there path to the mango trees. I am so pleased they let them be

[RobynG]

There have been several incidents here at some of the game reserves. I don't know what people have done to stir them up but there have been quite a few mangled and stomped cars as well as injuries. They've had to put elephants down all because people will not listen.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

Yes, I've seen films of an upset elephant or two. Considering all they put up with from humans, it's rather incredible those incidents are not more frequent. People tend to forget about their size and strength because they so rarely do get angry.

[RobynG]

Aren't they beautiful? You have to be so careful with these wild elephants. If they take fright or get a whiff of something they don't like, all hell could break loose.

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

How amazing to see these gentle giants in the reception area, Robyn! I was especially taken by the first photo of them going down stairs. I'm glad they are left undisturbed on their treat runs :)