The vegetation in which this big guy is roaming is called “fynbos” which is shrubland native to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.

Elephant ears are as distinct and unique as a zebra’s stripes. Every edge tells a story.

In long periods of drought, elephants have been known to dig their own waterholes – and allow other species to reap the spoils. And sometimes they just chill at the water’s edge.

Elephants such as this one, photographed at Addo Elephant Park in South Africa, weight about 250 pounds and are three feet tall at birth.

Elephants will often coat themselves with mud or dust as a form of protection from insects and the elements.

African elephants only get one pair of tusks, which are unrooted – similar to human baby teeth – and can’t regrow.

The utility of an elephant’s trunk is incredible. This youngster is actually using his to shield his eye from the blazing sun.

Not to gossip, but when elephants engage in this kind of friendly “trunk wrestling,” it’s often a sign of courtship behavior. It’s really about being connected and relationships. Elephants really are gentle giants.

Baby elephants come together to show their heart at Addo Elephant Park. “This shot has love written all over it. Elephants really care for each other. We can learn a lot from them.”