Mark Fox of Foxy’s on Safari filmed this rare sighting. To put the unusualness of the sighting into perspective, only one percent of elephant births result in twins!
As such, the odds of witnessing such a beautiful spectacle are next to nothing!
Watch The Sighting:
Elephant twins enthrall game viewers
Elephants are known for their incredible social structures, where family is everything. At the core of these families is the mother, whose bond with her calf is one of the strongest in the animal world.
This mother enjoyed a special bond with her twins. The twins also appeared to share a special bond with one another.
The twins waded in the shallow river, enjoying the cool, refreshing water, and exploring the world which was new and exciting to them. They stayed in the shadow of their mother’s protection as they enjoyed romping playfully in the water.
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The elephant mother embodied patience, strength, and love as she guided them and they stayed close to her as she made her way through the watery terrain.
A picture of motherly love
Elephant mothers are deeply attentive to their calf’s needs. They will nurse their calf for up to three years and stay physically close to it for several more years.
The calf is completely dependent in its early months, relying on its mother’s milk and guidance.
With two calves in her care, this mother elephant had to be extra vigilant as she walked along. Two calves also meant the demands on her energy were multiplied.
Fortunately for her, strong bonds exist in the elephant herd, and she was no doubt assisted by ‘aunties’ in the herd. Other female elephants will typically offer support in the raising of calves.
In this picturesque setting, the twins were a picture of health.
The elephant calves will learn everything they need to by watching the adults. This will include how to find water, what to eat, and how to interact with the other members of the herd.
Even though the twins won’t forever be dependent on their mother, their strong bonds with her will continue into adulthood.
The herd of gentle giants moved across the riverbed, stopping at intervals, and splashing playfully in the water. They interacted with one another in meaningful ways, displaying their complex and intelligent nature.
At intervals, the twins would pause to suckle. Then it was back to exploring. They seemed all trunk and feet as they wobbled their way along.
They also appeared tiny next to the adult elephants. However, elephant calves are actually quite large! They are in fact the largest land mammal babies. At birth, they already weight 90 to 135kg!
However, to Mom, these two darlings were precious gems to protect. The bushveld is filled with unexpected threats and the mother elephant and the rest of the herd remained aware of everything around them. These twins weren’t just the mother’s. They belonged to the herd and for elephants, it’s all about family.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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