The enchanting visuals of a playful, young elephant, nicknamed ‘Stompie’ – translating to ‘Stumpy’ in Afrikaans – coaxing his older companion into a romp have captured hearts worldwide.
The charming photographs reveal Stompie affectionately nudging his elder with his trunk, a silent but persuasive request to play.
In a scene that unfolds at the Addo Elephant National Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the irresistible charm of the young calf is too much for his older mate to deny.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yielding to Stompie’s persuasions, the older elephant indulges in a half-hour of fun-filled play, ultimately surrendering to the youthful energy and finding himself face down on the grass, with an elated Stompie clambering over him.
Playtime: Stompie (Afrikaans for Stumpy), the elephant playing with an older elephant in the Addo Elephant National Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury Press
These adorable images are a delightful reminder of the genuine bonds and affection that thrive within the animal kingdom.
Dive into these fascinating adorable photos below:
ADVERTISEMENT
Family fun: The older elephant was enticed to join in and play with the small one-year-old calf after he affectionately pressed his trunk against his companion. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury PressUnable to resist: The calf’s charms get the better of the older elephant, and the pair spent half an hour playing, eventually ending up face down on the ground as a delighted Stompie clambered onto his relative’s head. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury PressGiving up: The calf started off by trumpeting and racing around, then charging and headbutting his relative who was trying to eat, but eventually gave up and joined in the game, said photographer Jen Williams. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury Press
ADVERTISEMENT
Adorable scene: The sweet moment was captured by amateur wildlife photographer Jeni Williams in Addo Elephant National Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, who has been doing wildlife photography for 10 years and volunteers at the national park. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury Press‘Smiling’ faces: Photographer Jeni from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, said: ‘I loved seeing the interaction between the pair and the self-satisfied ‘smirks’ on their faces’. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury PressClambering to be together: The 70-year-old gran-of-two, Jen, added: ‘He took part by lying down and allowing Stompie to clamber all over him. After about 30 minutes, the teenager decided the game was over and stood up. The smirks on the faces show that both thoroughly enjoyed it’. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury PressTime to climb: Jen, who on this particular day had been checking waterhole levels, said: ‘Baby elephants love to play and are frequently seen climbing on top of each other, particularly at waterholes. I love spending time at the park and taking photographs. Source: Jeni Williams/Mercury Press
