A group of elephants, including bull elephants and calves, were captured on video enjoying a swim in a pool at a game reserve in South Africa.
Paul Andrew Schofield, the 34-year-old general manager at the Bukela Game Lodge located within the Amakhala Game Reserve, filmed the footage.
The video shows a bull elephant slowly approaching the pool before dipping its trunk in the water to drink. Unbeknownst to Schofield, the rest of the herd was nearby.
Soon, several calves and adult elephants joined the bull, splashing and playing in the refreshing water.
Schofield, who has worked at the game lodge for a decade, has developed a strong bond with the elephant family.
They feel comfortable approaching him and letting their calves cool off in the pool. Schofield was touched by the trust displayed by the herd, as they allowed their young to get close to the pool despite their typically protective nature.
According to Schofield, the elephants appeared to enjoy the experience, displaying playful behavior and seeming at ease with his presence.
This level of trust has been built over time, as Schofield has worked closely with the herd to establish boundaries and reinforce appropriate behavior around the lodge and guests.
The elephants visit the lodge every three to four days to drink water from the pool, which is believed to be their primary water source in the area.
Schofield reassures that the pool’s chlorine does not harm the elephants, as their digestive systems allow any unnatural substances to pass through without being absorbed.
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