Tiny Tusker in Training: Adorable Baby Elephant Learning to Walk Stumbles to Keep Up with the Herd
Published on
A charming sequence of photos has revealed the heartwarming moment when a baby elephant, still mastering the art of walking, trips over to match the stride of its herd.
This endearing creature, believed to be under a month old, was snapped in pictures as it made efforts to pace itself alongside the mature members of the herd.
These vivid shots were brought to life by the keen eye of Leighton Lum, a 33-year-old wildlife photographer based in Aiea, Hawaii.
ADVERTISEMENT
The breathtaking backdrop for these images was none other than Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Uh oh! This is the moment a baby elephant, still learning how to walk properly, took a tumble as it tried to keep pace with the rest of its herd.
Leighton shared, “This elephant calf was noticeably smaller than its siblings. My guide informed me that it was probably less than a month old.” He continued, “Observing the calf emulate the adult elephants, like blowing dirt to reveal the grass underneath, was an intriguing experience.”
Due to their limited strength and endurance, baby elephants often struggle to match the pace of adult elephants. After the entire day roving around the park for food, this little one was visibly tired.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It’s impossible not to form a bond with creatures like these. He was just irresistibly cute, and it was a privilege to capture his journey,” Lum added with fondness.
The adorable animal is thought to be less than a month old but was pictured trying to walk alongside the rest of the herd.Blowing dirt: Wildlife photographer Leighton Lum, 33, of Aiea, Hawaii, who spotted the baby elephant at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, said: ‘It was cool just to watch him and how he started to learn from the adults like blow dirt to expose the grass underneath.Wait up! The baby elephant raised its trunk towards one of the older elephants in the herd as it tried its best to keep pace with them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Without the strength or stamina that the older elephants in the herd have, the smaller animal was left tired from a day of walking.Staying close! The infant animal was spotted nuzzling up close to one of the older elephants as it walked alongside its herd.Oh, dear! Having been on its feet for a long time, the baby elephant tripped over its front legs and started falling to the floor.Attempting a graceful descent to the floor, the elephant also lowered its back legs, trying to sit rather than fall down.
ADVERTISEMENT
Just needs a second: Having reached the floor, the elephant leans up against one of the older members of its herd.Tired out: Still exhausted from its full-on day of walking, the elephant rolls onto its side for a quick lie down.
