Photo: Elephant Calf Mud Bath

30Jul

Photo of the Week

elephant

shannon

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Kariega Game Reserve has some epic mud holes that the elephant and rhino particularly enjoy. Our guests have been delighted with the comical experience of watching these enormous animals wallowing in the mud and Jan-Niklas Wedig recently captured this magical image. 

Thank you so much for sharing it with us on the Kariega  Facebook page – it brought a smile to us all.

Why Elephant Take Mud Baths

Although it appears to be a recreational activity, taking a mud bath serves a very important purpose for elephant. If you look closely elephant have very little hair on their bodies and their skin, like ours, can get sunburnt. A good romp in some mud cools them down and creates a protective layer over their skin just like sunblock. The younger members of the herd have the most sensitive skin, which is possibly why they wallow with great enthusiasm – just like the young calf in the photo!

Remember that the Kariega Game Reserve Facebook Competition is now open for 2017. This competition runs from 1 May 2016 – 30 April 2017. All photo’s taken at Kariega Game Reserve and posted to our Facebook page are automatically entered. The winner(s) are rewarded with a two night stay for two people at Ukhozi Lodge. Check out this year’s winner!

Please leave your comments below if you have enjoyed magical moments with elephant at Kariega Game Reserve.