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Nardus Taljard submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it at an artificial water point, not far from Shingwedzi Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Morning ritual
Nardus parked beside a water trough, watching a herd of elephants drink in the warm morning light. The scene of the morning ritual was peaceful as young and old took turns drawing water.
Since it was the dry season, there was a concentration of game in the vicinity. In deference to the elephants’ size, however, the other species were respectfully waiting their turn.
Change in behaviour
Suddenly, there was an almost imperceptible change in their behaviour. Some of the herd stopped drinking and backed away from the water.
However, at first it was difficult to see what had caused the shift in mood. As he kept his camera trained on the focal point, it didn’t take long for Nardus to see what had changed.
Audacious behaviour
As the herd parted slightly, the head of a buffalo bull appeared in their midst. Driven by thirst, this old fella was not one to stand on ceremony.
Now, buffalo bulls are notorious for their no-nonsense, often belligerent temperaments. As such, this may explain its audacious behaviour.
Taken aback
At first, the elephants seemed taken aback by the buffalo’s sudden intrusion. One by one, they backed away from the water’s edge.
Meanwhile, the old bull moved forward, ponderously lowering his head as he prepared to quench his thirst. Generally, elephants and buffalo will drink twice a day, as both are highly dependent on the life-sustaining resource.
Sudden departure
But, before the bull had even put his mouth to the water, he suddenly started moving forward. With other elephants initially blocking the view, it was hard for Nardus to tell why…
Subsequently, the reason for its sudden departure became apparent. One of the large females, probably the matriarch of the herd, had decided enough was enough.
Lowering her head and aiming her tusks at the buffalo’s vulnerable rump, she advanced on the bull.
Even though the bull was soon clear of the water, the cow continued to chase him. After all, the world’s largest land mammal can’t tolerate such impertinence.
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A sensible retreat
In seconds, the chastised bull was forced to break into a run to escape its pursuer. Considering female elephants weigh upward of three tons, it was the only sensible thing to do for the 800-kilogram bull.
As the matriarch pressed home her warning, even buffalo uninvolved in the fracas moved off. While uncommon, elephants have been recorded killing buffalo, hippos, and rhinos that get on the wrong side of them.
Point made
Thankfully for the buffalo, he was able to outrun the cow, leaving her standing in a cloud of dust.
Then, having successfully driven off the bull, the matriarch stood proud. With her head held high, it was as if she were daring any other creature to try their luck.
It may be time we review the whole king of the jungle myth.
