“We stopped at 'Amanzindlovu' dam for tea and coffee during the morning game drive, found some elephant tracks from the previous night, but none from this morning. Knowing that the elephant drink at this water hole at least 2 times a day (and that they hadn't come this morning) they had to be in the area heading towards the dam. We drove around the block and saw some fresh tracks cross the road into the block, so we headed back towards the dam. We were busy watching 2 red duiker coming to the water to drink, when we noticed the elephant walking up the road behind us and heading to the far side of the water hole. While the adults were having their morning drink the new baby was playing and rolling around in the mud. Once the mom (the tuskless female) decided playtime was over, she gently put her trunk around her baby and guided it back into the bush. We estimate that the baby was born in the afternoon of the 16th May. The other 3 month old baby (from the matriarch) is also doing well. He's definitely a boy, as he proudly proves and displays to us. We hope to have regular sightings of the youngsters and will keep you informed of their antics.”





Michelle Swemmer – Thanda guide