An ongoing series of photographs on the lives of elephants.  Sabi Sand Game Reserve, next to Kruger National Park, South Africa.  See the gray bar on the left side of the photo?  That’s the vehicle I just parallel-parked next to this bull.  He was remarkably calm, continuing to feed with his back to us.  But I had the clutch depressed, the gearshift in drive, and my fingers twitching on the key.  Once we determined he was not at all bothered by us, I took a quick photo.  Didn’t notice the branch on his back until I got the film developed and printed.  Note the chip gone from his left tusk.  I’ll post another photograph of him tomorrow.

photograph by Cheryl Merrill