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Elephants Water at Minneriya National Park

While on safari in Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, our truck came to a small stream. We needed to cross the stream to exit the park. However, at that moment, a herd of elephants crowded near the crossing point. It was time to water. One, then two, then six elephants descended from the cover of the jungle just as the sun began to set behind the mountains. My little truck was stuck for the moment. If we got too close, it could scare the elephants and cause them to stampede. Of course, being "stuck" due to something like this is a photographer's dream, so there was no complaining from me! After about 20 minutes, one of the young males in the herd noticed our presence and became curious. He began walking our way. Slowly at first. Our guide put the truck in reverse and began to slowly back up. But gradually, the young elephant picked up speed until he was galloping down the road towards our truck. Our guide hit the gas, expertly navigated turns in the ever-dimming light, and got us to safety (all in reverse, mind you). I chuckled to myself as we sat in the jungle, waiting for the youngster to lose interest. "He just wants to say 'hello"!", was my son's response.

ElephantMinneriyaMinneriya National ParkNorth Central ProvinceSafariSri LankaTravelWildlifeWildlife Sanctuarynaturephotographysunset