Bringing an elephant into the world is no small feat—it’s a collective effort that involves the entire herd.
This was evident in a rare and extraordinary event at South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where a mother elephant gave birth in water, supported by her herd.
Elephants have one of the longest gestation periods of any mammal, lasting up to 22 months. This makes each new arrival a significant occasion.
The birth was particularly special in this case, as it occurred in the Olifants River, a popular spot for elephant herds seeking water.
Photographer Dan Streck captured the event a few years ago, but the images recently gained widespread attention after being shared on the South African National Parks (SANParks) Facebook page.
Streck’s photos document the entire process, from the first image showing the amniotic sac to the protective actions taken by the herd.
“The first image captures the amniotic sac before delivery,” Streck explained. “Afterward, the elephants formed a protective phalanx around the newborn.”
Although the baby elephant quickly splashed into the water, the birth wasn’t without challenges. The shallow river initially posed difficulties for the newborn, which struggled to keep its head above water.
Thankfully, working alongside the mother, an older female elephant intervened to help the baby find its footing.
Michelle Henley, a scientist with Elephants Alive, noted the rarity of witnessing an elephant’s water birth and emphasized the importance of the herd’s role in the successful delivery.
According to Henley, the older, more experienced elephants are crucial in ensuring the survival of the newborn, especially in environments where predators like crocodiles could pose a threat.
“The older, more experienced cow played a vital role in helping the baby take its first breath,” Henley said. “If the elephants were too young or inexperienced, the situation could have been much more dangerous.”
Henley also highlighted the broader significance of this event, pointing out the critical role experienced matriarchs play in the survival and well-being of the herd.
However, this role is increasingly at risk due to poaching, which often targets the oldest elephants with the largest tusks.
“Unfortunately, poaching targets the oldest individuals with the largest tusks first, so we can only hope that these ‘mentors of motherhood’ persist to ensure the long-term survival of elephants and their society. This sequence of photos beautifully illustrates their significance,” she added.
Thanks to the herd’s collective effort, the newborn elephant eventually found its footing after about an hour of unsteady wallowing.
The mother then guided her baby to the riverbank, marking the end of a remarkable and heartwarming display of herd solidarity.
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