Elephants digging for water at Ezulwini

It is well known that elephants are some of the most intelligent members of the wild population of African inhabitants. Emotional beings with a mysterious reputation for good memory, elephants have been known to carve out age old migration routes that lead to reliable sources of water, and to remember where herd members have laid down to eternal rest. They develop along a similar chronological scale to humans, making them particularly relatable animals. Elephants also possess the incredible ability to sense water underground, and are known to dig to access it during times of drought.

Baby elephant burying his trunk in the sand

Adults and baby elephants digging for waterDigging for water

At Ezulwini Game Lodges in the Balule, Greater Kruger, guests came across a herd of elephants digging in a sandy drainage line to get to underground water, which was an incredible sight to witness. The elephants dig using their feet to carve out bowls in the sand, which, when deep enough to reach the water table, become temporary watering holes providing much needed water. Adult elephants plunge their trunks into the sandy pits and pour litres of water down their throats, while the babies kneel or lie on the ground and bury their heads in the waterhole in order to reach the water at the bottom.

Baby elephant digging in the riverbed

Digging deep for water in the riverbed

Elephant herd digging for water

Other animals rely on this aspect of elephant behaviour, and rush to drink from the dug waterholes once the elephants have had their fill and left. Droughts can be devastating, particularly in areas where rainfall is frequent and expected, as the animals dwelling here are not equipped to deal with the drastic change in the climate. Elephants possess the ability to create a water source for themselves and other animals during times of such need.

Drinking the water dug up from underground

 

Breeding herd of elephants in the riverbed