#022 - Sheltered - Elephant Print

Serengeti, Tanzania - 2022
 
Elephants are renowned for their intelligence, affection, and profound protectiveness of their young. The photograph titled “Sheltered” beautifully captures a moment when two young elephants sought comfort and security beneath the body of an adult, reflecting the deep family bonds that define these majestic animals. This image has since become one of my signature African wildlife prints, celebrating the emotional depth of life in the wild.
 
While traveling south from Serengeti National Park, we rounded a bend in the road and were unexpectedly confronted by a family group of elephants. Our sudden appearance startled the family, causing a brief moment of panic as the elephants reacted to our presence. The young calves, sensing the disturbance, instinctively sought refuge beneath the protection of an adult. Moments like these remind me why I am drawn to wildlife photography art, where emotion and instinct come together so naturally.
 
The group quickly realised that we were no threat, and as the initial fear wore off, the curiosity of the young elephants began to emerge. They slowly ventured out from the safety of the adult's shelter, their inquisitive eyes peeking out to get a better look at us. It was in this transition from fear to fascination that I saw a perfect opportunity to capture a tender and intimate scene. I quickly took the photograph of the two young elephants nestled beneath the adult, their wide eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution. The moment now lives on through fine art wildlife photography, offered as a limited edition wildlife print that embodies both the vulnerability and strength of these remarkable animals.