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Addo Elephant National Park


Addo Elephant National Park
Photo Information
Copyright: Anna Eksteen (Miss_Piggy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2285 W: 5 N: 5300] (18714)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2012-10-06
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC HX1, Sony G lens 20x Optical zoom, Digital ISO 125
Exposure: f/4, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): CeltickRanger's favorite Elephant photos, Animals feeding, part one [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2012-11-17 23:47
Viewed: 3486
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 60
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
African Elephant / Loxodonta africana

This photograph was taken in the Addo Elephant National Park while being on our annual holiday in the lovely Cape Province. We admire nature in every possible way and enjoy and appreciate each day given to us in nature. While sitting at the Hapoor Dam we observed the distinct ways of the elephants and how they behaved when they came to the waterhole to have a drink or to cool off.

I could have given you the details of the physical description of the gigantic elephant, but I am sure you will find plenty of that kind of information on Trek Nature as this animal has been featured many times before. My chosen topic for my note is a short overview about Addo Elephant National Park itself.

Discover…Experience…Explore a world of diversity in one Park
Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide diversity of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.

The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo has only just begun, with plans to expand the Park into a 264 000 hectare (652 300 acre) mega-park.

In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Addo Elephant National Park seeks to be fully integrated into the regional landscape, conserves and enhances the characteristic terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources representative of the Eastern Cape region for the appreciation, and benefit of present and future generations.

The Domkrag Dam in the game viewing section of the park is name after a giant mountain tortoise that once roamed the park. Domkrag is the Afrikaans word for jack, and this tortoise had a peculiar habit of walking in behind cars and lifting them up with enormous strength. Domkrag came to a sad end when he fell into an aardvark hole and couldn't get himself out. His shell is still on display in the reception foyer.

The magnificent Elephant head which is mounted in the restaurant is that of Hapoor, the legendary dominant bull in the park for 24 years. The waterhole in the south-western section of the game area is named after him. Hap means 'nick' in Afrikaans, while 'oor' means ear and it is believed the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park-staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968. During the second part of the 1960's a few younger bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts were unsuccessful until one bull name Lanky finally deposed Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park's 'Armstrong Fence', which for nearly 20 years had been elephant proof. His freedom was to be short lived as because of his aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot.

The Alexandria dunefield is home to many archeological sites – the middens of the nomadic Strandloper ("beach walker") people. These middens contain shells and bones of animals eaten by the people as well as fragments of pottery and stone implements. Interestingly, the white mussel shells found in these middens are also found in the caves of the Zuurberg Mountains, proving that these people journeyed over vast distances and stored their food. The caves in the Zuurberg Mountains also contain rock art and stone implements. Source

I hope you enjoy looking at this photo as much as I took pleasure in taking it.
maaciejka, luciola, wahclella, Marco2010, KOMSIS, rousettus, goatman04, ellis49, CeltickRanger, Silvio2006, Mamagolo2, marius-secan, Chiza, anel, nofer has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Anna,
incredible view. First of all, elephants are unusual for me. I like the bird flying opposite direction than these two elephants walking. And I can see another one in the background! Amazing colours and excellent presentation.
Have a nice Sunday,
Maciek

Hello Anna,
Wonder, wonder, wonder. Fantastic photo with a gorgeous pair of elephants. Bird in flight and horizon is great bonus this photo. Perfection.
Regards
Lucja

Good Sunday to you Anna,
What a scene to behold with the tall grasses and the Stork, or I think it is that, and the grand elephants of your park. Your notes are always welcomed and offer us history that we normally would not hear of.
How distant are the Zuurberg Mountains from this park? Would love to see the artwork in the caves.
Well done...
Steve

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2012-11-18 0:49]

Hello Anna,
We had wonderful memories to this park. We were there in 2005 and saw a lot of animals in the wild. Also many Elephants. But what a gorgeous photo this is!
Superb sharpness, details, DOF and very beautiful colours. Great background with the stork as a fine bonus.
Regards,
Peter

Ciao Anna.
Stupenda foto, complimenti per la eccellente nitidezza degli elefanti e dell’uccello in volo,bellissimi i colori,ottima composizione molto,molto bella.
Ciao Marco.

Hello Anna,
A beautiful image of elephant with a stork (?) in flight as bonus and the Zuurberg in the background. Your note on Addo National Park is equally meritorious. The new mega-park will start from north of here and will incorporate several existing game parks - an ambitious and very welcome project. Well done, it is a pleasure to view.
Neels

PS: The both of you are in the dog box for having driven right past our home and not stopping in - or over, for that matter.

  • Great 
  • KOMSIS Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 820 W: 0 N: 2419] (10674)
  • [2012-11-18 4:41]

Hallo Anna,
Nice composition with a lovely an African Elephants. .
Very good focus, sharpness, colors, details, POV and composition with stork.
Have a nice weekend,
Seyfi

Hello Anna
a great scene from elephant family. Heron is a like-star on sky. great focus, POV and composition. thanks for sharing.
I hope I can see these places and animals in nature.
all the best
Ahmet

Hello Anna,
An excellent capture with beautiful natural coloration, scenery & setting. Very nicely composed & presented. Great work & POV. Well done & TFS. Best wishes!

Umar

nice calm picture of elephant daily life.
tfs
samiran

hello Anna
You have here a great shot
i like the details (heron in flight)and great sharpness
the colours are super good
i like this composition
thanks Anna
greeting lou

Hallo Anna,
I hope you are doing fine old friend, long time no see.
It's a very fine picture of the elephants walking by the river.
The image is well composed, sharp with nice natural colours and I think the flying bird in the BG adds a lot to the picture.
Well done.
Warm regards
Gert
Send my best greetings to Loot.

Hello Anna

In the thumbnail image I wondered what was
that thing in the middle of the elephants,
WOW ! excellent timing to have shot this photo
with a very beautiful landscape scenery at the background,
great focus, sharpness and details of all the image,
the elephants like the flying heron style bird, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2012-11-18 11:28]

Hello Anna.
Very nice composition, great photo of this elephant's.Very good colors and details. Best regards Siggi

Ciao Anna, great capture of fantastic couple in a beautiful natural ambientation, bird is a good bonus, excellent sharpness, splendid light and colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

I'm speechless, what a joy to see these two super mamels and the wildlife bird in the back.

Hi Anna,
What a beautiful serene scene you've captured here. You are so fortunate so see all these beautiful places. Glad you are home safe again and I'm looking forward to all your beautiful images.
Lovies
Natley

Ciao Anna. An interesting situation form wild Africa. Impressive details sharp and DOF. Beatiful colours. Very good managment of spaces.

Roberto

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1114 W: 0 N: 2546] (11425)
  • [2012-11-19 6:36]

Hello Anna
What a great presentation.Beautiful composition you were able to included on top of those beautiful elephant a bunch of subject like a beautiful nature sight and event that bird in flight great work
TFS Michel

A beautiful African scene and a beautiful photo Anna! Very good composition, wonderful colours and impressive sharpness.
Regards,
Christodoulos

Hello Anna,
I am very busy at work and not very much time to spent on TN. Still I find a little time to admire this fascinating photo with razor sharp details and very nice natural colors of the elephant skin. The image is taken from a low and excellent POV with lovely light and best clarity. Nice bird flying in the background. Useful photographers note.
Marius.

  • Great 
  • iti Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 577 W: 0 N: 650] (7939)
  • [2012-11-19 10:41]

Hi Anna,
Very nice photo of this elephants.
Nice natural colours and sharpness details.
Regards Jiri.

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
  • [2012-11-20 19:19]

Hello Anna,
Great shot of what I presume is Mom and baby. I see you also captured a stork-like looking bird just as it came between these two. The elephants look relaxed and in fine shape. I'm sure they really enjoy the lush vegetation and all that cooling water in which they can drink and play.
The Addo Elephant National Park seems to be a neat place just from reading all your discriptive notes. I pray there will always be places like this for future generations, to visit and enjoy all the unique wildlife they have to offer. TFS.
Ron

  • Great 
  • Chiza Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 133 W: 0 N: 474] (5351)
  • [2012-11-23 13:39]

Hola Anna, una foto maravillosa la de estos dos Elefantes, con un entorno de lujo donde se aprecia tambien una hermosa ave de los humedales; me gusta el color, composición y el ambiente de la foto...saludos.

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3053 W: 3 N: 8715] (40574)
  • [2012-11-24 7:22]

Hello Anna,
Very interesting posting with an excellent picture and a most informative note. Loved to read the narrated stories. A natural, vivid and a lucky shot with the flying bird in the back. Well taken with the different layers from ground to sky.
Have a nice weekend
Kind regards
Anne

Hello Anna.
Super sharp, super composition,super elephant and super bird.
Africa! Unknown for me!
Thanks.

Robert

Crystal clear capture of some amazing animals. Love it Anna! Something I hope to see one day soon if not later.

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2013-01-04 3:28]

Hello Anna
what a superb view of the nature over there. The elephants are excellently presented in such three D effects. What I like most is the creation of feeling when a crane is flying overhead.
Exciting place and really give an excitement in seeing the shot you posted.
Another big applause and appreciation for you.
Congrats.

Regards
Foozi

My dear friend Anna,
A truly satisfying experience watching an elephant drink. Thank you for sharing with us this special moment, and I add your work to my theme "animals feeding"

We have not been to Addo yet. You really wet my appetite with your description, and your photo's outstanding quality is enhanced by the water bird floating across, above the elephant.

you put soo much work into this photo: you must have waited for ages to have the bird in the right spot.

You know of course my opinion about killing photos with photoshop and the natural colors in your image make it a pleasure viewing it.

May be in the future I can manage such a long trip...

Take care, hugs also to the patriarch of the Eksteen clan.
Ingrid

Hello Anna,
Beautiful picture.Nice timing.Nice tone with beautiful natural look.Flying bird added a different look in it.
Thanks for sharing,
Regards and have a nice time,
Srikumar

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