In the heart of South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park, two young elephants were recently spotted in a charming display of playfulness, engaging in a friendly tussle that showcased both their natural curiosity and budding social skills. The enchanting moment was captured by professional photographer Anne Laing, who spent the day observing and photographing the elephants, documenting a playful encounter that revealed the intelligence, sensitivity, and social complexity of these magnificent creatures.
Laing, 59, from Pretoria, has spent 35 years behind the camera, covering subjects ranging from international sporting events like the Rugby and Football World Cups to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Yet it is her passion for wildlife photography that truly captures the essence of her artistic dedication. On this particular day in Addo, she witnessed two young elephants entwining their trunks in what could best be described as a playful tangle, a form of learning that helps them develop control over their trunks while also mimicking adult behaviors. “Young elephants twist their trunks while play-fighting, which entertains them and teaches them to handle their trunks effectively,” Laing explained. “They also mimic adult behavior, using this gesture as a greeting.”
The development of trunk control is an essential milestone for young elephants. Born without full control over these versatile appendages, it can take up to three months for calves to properly maneuver their trunks. As they grow, the trunk functions as a combination of an arm, hand, and straw, indispensable for drinking, handling objects, and exploring their surroundings. Watching young elephants play-fight, entwine their trunks, and mimic adult gestures provides insight not only into their physical development but also into the rich social learning that occurs within elephant herds.
Addo Elephant National Park, known for its dense vegetation, presents unique challenges for wildlife observation. Laing described the patience required to spot elephants: “You often have to listen for branches breaking; it’s a reliable signal that elephants are nearby.” Her day-long excursions from sunrise to sunset allow her to capture not only playful moments like tussling calves but also intimate behaviors such as elephants drinking, spraying water on one another, and engaging in affectionate interactions with family members.
One particularly heartwarming scene Laing documented was a mother elephant gently stroking her calf with her trunk, a tender demonstration of maternal care. “The trunks are incredibly sensitive to touch, and this was a lovely example of maternal affection,” she said. Such interactions highlight the emotional depth and social bonds that define elephant societies, reinforcing the importance of protecting their natural habitats and ensuring the survival of these remarkable creatures.
Water plays a central role in the lives of elephants, a fact that Laing observed during her photography sessions. Adults may consume up to 150 liters of water daily, traveling long distances to satisfy their needs. Beyond drinking, elephants frequently use their trunks to spray water over their bodies, a cooling mechanism essential in the hot South African climate. Laing’s photographs captured these practical yet playful moments, portraying elephants in a way that balances both their majesty and their everyday routines.
Laing’s work in Addo is part of a lifelong commitment to wildlife photography, a pursuit that combines patience, artistry, and a deep respect for nature. She hopes to continue documenting elephants and other wildlife, planning future trips to coincide with major sporting events like the upcoming Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics, while also dedicating time to capturing the beauty and complexity of animal behavior in the wild.
Through her lens, moments like the playful tussle between two young elephants become more than just images; they are stories of growth, learning, and connection within a family and a herd. Laing’s photography allows viewers to witness the subtle intricacies of elephant life — from the careful coordination of a trunk during play to the nurturing touch of a mother toward her calf — reminding audiences of the intelligence, sensitivity, and resilience of these creatures.
In a world where wildlife faces increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment, Laing’s dedication underscores the importance of observing, documenting, and preserving the natural behaviors of animals in their habitats. Each photograph serves as both an educational tool and a celebration of life, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed and fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature.
As the young elephants at Addo National Park continue to grow, learning vital skills through play and social interaction, Laing’s images provide a permanent record of their development and joy. The entwining trunks, the playful splashing of water, and the affectionate gestures between mother and calf reveal not only the charm and personality of individual elephants but also the enduring bonds and rich social structures that characterize their species.
Through her work, Anne Laing invites the world to witness the magic of these creatures in their natural environment, reminding us that even in the wild, animals experience joy, learning, and connection much like humans do. The playful tussles, tender moments, and daily routines she captures in Addo Elephant National Park offer a glimpse into a hidden world, fostering empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to preserving the delicate balance of nature.A
