These vast land areas of grasses
attract large numbers of herds of grazing animals-Antelope, Zebra and of course Wildebeest.The change Elephants bring to an environment, actually changing the ecosystem, increases as the land area they have available to them decreases in size and space. The shape and form of the great plains of the Masai Mara, to a large extent, is greatly due to traveling Elephant herds.
African Elephants are very community minded. They live in families, travel in families, and their communities are not only their social structure, but also their protection as well.
As the plains attract grazing animals,
so to do these animals attract their predators. Therefore, as paradoxical as it may seem, Elephants are responsible for not only the changing landscape but also for the ecosystem of life and predation-by just being who they are. Large, community oriented species who spoil their young, allow their teenagers-especially the males-to maurad the land, the rivers, everything and everyone around them.
The Matriarch of the community
truly is royalty, and she is followed, obeyed and given honor until she passes on and another takes her place. Elephants are highly unpredictable, and very protective of their community.
At the same time they are highly intelligent, unique and independent.
There is nothing that will make your adrenaline rush more,
your heart pound, and your entire being steep in wonder and amazement than being surrounded by a community Elephants who curiously stare you down, smell you, and analyze your every movement.
On one of my trips,
I was seated atop the roof of a Land Rover, and surrounded by a community of over 60 elephants-large ones, teenagers, and small adolescents who sniffed me, pushed me with their trunks and in general used me as their day’s lesson in finding out about humans. It remains, along with my time spent with the sparring Rhino’s one of the treasured moments of my life. Enjoy the Elephants of Kenya and the Masai Mara-the ghost bear. If you have any quesions or comments please feel free to contatc me
