Don't mess with me
The morning light is thick over the Chobe River as we navigate our small boat in the river along the border between Botswana and Namibia. The Chobe River teems with life at the break of dawn. And among its most revered denizens are the elephants, majestic creatures who revel in the cool embrace of the water.
As we approach the river's edge, we catch sight of a herd of elephants frolicking in the shallows. They splash and play with reckless abandon, their joy contagious even from a distance. It is a sight to behold, a reminder of the simple pleasures that unite all creatures great and small.
But as the elephants indulge in their aquatic antics, a tension hangs in the air. For these giants are not ones to share their domain willingly. They prefer the river to themselves, and woe betide any creature that dares to intrude upon their sanctuary.
As we draw nearer, I can feel the excitement building within me. In my eagerness to get close and capture the moment, I make a fatal mistake. I rise from my seat, my movements betraying my presence to the watchful eyes of the elephants.
In an instant, the mood shifts. The air crackles with tension as the lead elephant fixes me with a piercing gaze. I feel a chill run down my spine as I realize the danger I've put us in. Elephants may not see objects well, but they are keen on movement, and my sudden motion has not gone unnoticed.
For a heartbeat, time stands still as I brace myself for the worst. This elephant could easily toss our boat with a flick of its trunk, sending us all tumbling into the water below. It could crush us in an instant, the frail vessel no match for his immense power.
But then, as quickly as it began, the moment passes. The elephant's gaze softens as I crouch down to get small and still. He returns to his breakfast, leaving us unscathed but trembling by the encounter.
I exhale a sigh of relief. It is a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between humans and nature, a testament to the power and grace of the creatures that call this place home.
And as we continue our journey down the Chobe River, I am filled with a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude. For in the heart of this untamed wilderness, amidst the swirling currents of life and death, there is beauty to be found at every turn. And it is a privilege beyond measure to bear witness to its unfolding.
The population of elephants is dropping and they are endangered due to climate change and poaching.
100 ELEPHANTS ARE ILLEGALLY POACHED EVERYDAY
The species are critically endangered! The elephant population in Africa is currently estimated to be around 400,000, a decline of over 100,000 in just the past decade - and poaching continues to threaten those numbers.
I remember the first time I saw elephants in the wild. These enormous giants walked gracefully past our safari vehicle, their footsteps making no sound at all. It was an electric feeling!
This image will make a great addition to your office or home, your kid's room or play area.
PURCHASE OPTIONS
READY TO DISPLAY PAPER, CANVAS, ACRYLIC OR METAL PRINTS: Experience the convenience of ready-to-hang prints that instantly transform your living room, conference room, bedroom, entryway, kitchen, office or dorm. Each print is carefully packaged, guaranteeing a hassle-free and enjoyable decorating experience.
VIBRANT AND DURABLE MATERIAL: Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, our wall decor is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to enduring quality. The longevity of our prints ensures that your investment in aesthetic enhancement pays off for years to come, making our photography wall decor a timeless addition to your home or office.
VERSATILE DISPLAY OPTIONS: Tailor your surroundings with our range of media and sizes, including large 3-panel prints. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement with a commanding centerpiece or create an intimate ambiance with smaller prints, our versatile sizing options ensure a perfect fit for any wall in your home or office.
UNIQUE ARTISTRY, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your home or office with exclusive and unique artistry that brings the beauty of nature to your space. Each piece is carefully crafted to evoke emotion and create a focal point that sparks conversation and appreciation.
OPTIONS & DETAILS: (see below for production and shipping times)
Premium Photo Paper are high quality, professional paper-prints.
This option is available in 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches or 16x20 inches.
They are designed to be placed in a frame, which can be purchased separately (starting at a few dollars at your local art store or online).
Ready to Hang Canvas (Framed and Unframed)
Modern Floating Frames are available in either Black or Brown. Ready to hang right out of the box with zero assembly required.
Ready to Hang Acrylic Prints
Museum-quality, .22" thick clear acrylic produces superb image quality and vivid colors. UV resistant ink prevents fading.
Ready to Hang ChromaLuxe Metal prints
Unmatched color brilliance and durability.
PRODUCTION & SHIPPING TIMES:
- * Premium Photo Paper: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.
- * Ready-to-Hang Canvas: 5 days for printing, 5 days for shipping.
- * Acrylic Prints: 10 days for printing, 5 business days for shipping.
- * Metal Prints: 14 days for printing; 7 business days for shipping.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Find more great images of wildlife and landscapes on my website at richardmilesphotos.com
