These photographs were mainly taken in Sri Lanka and Thailand and the affection for these sometimes abused animals is strong amongst so many of us worldwide, our compassion and love of these beautiful animal and our utter disapproval of those that abuse them. The recent news of the discovery of the largest taxidermy in Spain was headlines and shocking for many More than 1,000 stuffed animals, including protected species were found in this collection and said to be worth over £24 million, uncovered in this collection in a warehouse in a small town north of Valencia. With over 198 elephant tusks discovered this is a collection now under investigation and will hopefully deter this tragic trade.
But rather than focus on man’s inhumanity, here’s a handful of elephant facts to celebrate these wonderful animals . It’s trunk has around 40,000 muscles in it and no bones. They can live up to around 70 years old. They can swim. They eat for around 16 hours a day. They can detect water from 12 miles away. They can get sunburnt. They can hear an elephant trumpeting from around 5 miles away. Elephants are pregnant for almost 2 years. An elephant’s skin can be 1 inch think but so sensitive it can feel a fly land on it and elephants mourn.
Elephants are sensitive caring animals whose protection of their young is so moving and was just captivating in the recent episode of Dynasties . This episode follows Angelina and her twins and is enthralling. The fight this mother has to keep her twins safe, to protect them from their innocent but dangerous wanderings and adventures, really it is tense and so stunning to watch and fortunately has a happy ending! Watching these talented producers, camera people and of course listening to David Attenborough really does show how difficult it is to capture these animals in film and photography. These images hopefully show both the sensitive side as well as the massive physical presence these animals actually have on our earth. Beautiful animals we need to care for who are indeed our gentle giants.
Written by: Lisa Freeman
lisa@quitegreat.co.uk
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