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At Play


At Play
Photo Information
Copyright: Manyee Desandies (manyee) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6166] (21070)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-01
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-10-11 9:33
Viewed: 1207
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Asian or Asiatic Elephant
Elephas maximus

Did You Know?
The elephant is distinguished by its high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication and complex social structure.
Elephants seem to be fascinated with the tusks and bones of dead elephants, fondling and examining them. The myth that they carry them to secret "elephant burial grounds," however, has no factual base.
Elephants are very social, frequently touching and caressing one another and entwining their trunks.
Elephants demonstrate concern for members of their families they take care of weak or injured members and appear to grieve over a dead companion.

The elephant is the largest living land mammal. Of all its specialized features, the muscular trunk is perhaps the most extraordinary. It serves as a nose, hand, extra foot, signaling device and tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting, and digging.

Elephants are gregarious and form small family groups consisting of an older matriarch and several generations of relatives. These family groups are often visited by mature males, who check for females in estrus. Several interrelated family groups may inhabit an area and know each other well. When they meet at watering holes and feeding places, they greet each other affectionately.

Smell is the most highly developed sense, but sound deep growling or rumbling noises is the principle means of communication. Some researchers think that each individual has its signature growl by which it can be distinguished. Sometimes elephants communicate with an ear-splitting blast when in danger or alarmed, causing others to form a protective circle around the younger members of the family group. Elephants make low-frequency calls, many of which, though loud, are too low for humans to hear. These sounds allow elephants to communicate with one another at distances of five or six miles.

Usually only one calf is born to a pregnant female. An orphaned calf will usually be adopted by one of the family's lactating females or suckled by various females. Elephants are very attentive mothers, and because most elephant behavior has to be learned, they keep their offspring with them for many years. Tusks erupt at 16 months but do not show externally until 30 months. The calf suckles with its mouth (the trunk is held over its head); when its tusks are 5 or 6 inches long, they begin to disturb the mother and she weans it. Once weaned usually at age 4 or 5, the calf still remains in the maternal group.

This photo was taken at the Safari Park in GuangZhou, China.

Source
nglen, marhowie, Evelynn, Adanac, Janice has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2916 W: 34 N: 8651] (32250)
  • [2008-10-11 10:08]

Hi Manyee . Firstly thank you for the interesting notes . This is one of my favorite animals every since i was young. This is a fine picture of the two young at play. well done TFS.
Nick..

Hi,

This is a really sharp image of these cute little guys. Color and exposure look great too. Nice work and notes.

We got snowed out of Wyoming but managed a few good shots. Going to Rainier Monday. Got Dr. report today: No permanent heart damage! Wahoo!

TFS
Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 1 N: 5208] (17609)
  • [2008-10-11 18:42]

Hello Manyee,
What a cute pair of young elephants with a great deal of hair. They look so sweet Manyee, thank you for sharing this excellent image.
Rick

Hello Manyee

A lovely and endearing image of these two young elephants.
The POV is very good.
Excellent detail and sharpness.
TFS

Wolf

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-10-12 4:13]

Hello Manyee, Elephant is my favourite god and animal for me. The play has actually shown in a very nice view here. Well done TFS Ganesh

  • Great 
  • radz Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 603 W: 11 N: 616] (3404)
  • [2008-10-12 19:53]

This cute moment you captured..
Nice timeing..well composed&taken.
TFS!

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2008-10-13 18:03]

It is cute to see the 2 elephants playing together like this Manyee.
Nicely shown, and I find your notes very interesting too,
TFS
Janice

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1381 W: 126 N: 5246] (23469)
  • [2008-10-14 14:09]

Hello Manyee! A beautiful and touching moment, great image very well done, thanks!

Mario

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