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Should I or NOT - 2


Should I or NOT - 2
Photo Information
Copyright: Ravi Kailas (rkailas) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 135 W: 2 N: 175] (799)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-02-07
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Nikon D70s, Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG MACRO
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Animals' Behavior, part one [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-02-20 23:29
Viewed: 4963
Points: 27
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
My second posting of the Havelock Elephant (please see notes from previous posting, attached below)

After much protest, the elephant was finally made to 'sqaut' by the edge of the sea and was given a brief scrubbing by the mahouts. It seemed very happy walking back onto the beach!

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I took this picture in an elephant training camp at Havelock island. Havelock has no wild elephants. However, there is a tradition of bringing elephants from the mainland India to serve as beasts of burden. Some of the introduced elephants took to swimming in the sea, to nearby islands. This, I am given to understand, and can imagine, was an amazing spectacle and made famous by images in BBC's excellent natural history series on the Indian Subcontinent, "Land of the Tiger". Unfortunately, none of elephants on island swim in the sea anymore.

While I was at the elephant training camp, the 'mahouts' (elephant trainers) were trying to coax this female elephant towards the sea. I can only guess that the primary purpose was to give her a wash (elephants need to constantly cool off),and since freshwater is a scarce resource (smallish island), it makes sense to use the sea. This elephant, however, was not too keen to venture anywhere near the water and was literally kicking and screaming on its way towards it. It was quite a spectacle. Perhaps the salty water irritates some sensitive skin in the trunks and eyes. I wonder if some of these elephants will ever take to swimming in the sea, like some of their predecessors.

Incidentally, Havelock island is one of the few islands in the Andamans where tourism is encouraged. The coral reefs and marine life around the island are spectacular and suggestions (and I might agree if I had dived elsewhere) are that this is one of the best scuba diving locations in Asia. Biologically, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are among the most exciting locations in India.
boreocypriensis, Ena, goldyrs, touristdidi, bahadir, zulfu, xTauruSx, Ingrid1 has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To kmr13777: no bathingrkailas 1 02-29 20:50
To Janice: Just a washrkailas 1 02-21 02:33
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Ravi, so this elephant decided to swim! I don't blame him - it must be so hot for them.
A happy elephant I hope
Janice

Hello Ravi,

This is a wonderful shot of this lovely Havelock Elephant with great composition, nice colours and framing friend!
TFS.
Cheers,

Bayram

Hello Ravi,
delighted to see your 2nd posting of the elephent!
very impressive to see elephant around the beach, looks like he is pretty about it after a good splash of the seawater!
I loved the sea and sky colouration that makes a beautiful contrast between the elephant
TFS
greeting
Tony

  • Great 
  • Ena Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 324 W: 61 N: 594] (2454)
  • [2008-02-22 6:13]

Hi Ravi,
Interesting shot!
Beautiful colors of the beach and sea!
TFS
Ena

Hi Ravi,
This elephant is so black, I'm impressed about this. This is a nice composition with superb blue colors. I winder if playing a little with curves could have brought out a little more details on its face. This is an interesting and different picture. Thanks,
Claudine

Ravi,
Would have loved to see one where the elephants bathing in the ocean... would have been an interesting shot. Maybe you have one...post it if you do.

TFS
Kirti

Hola Ravi! thanks much for comments on my photos, Im glad u like them.Your gallery is convincing me like a book ;-) I love your elephants, contrasting with the sea. Perfect.

Ravi,
a very nice post indeed..And I love the colors and the sharp focus!!
Thank you!
Goldy

wonderful shot , I have never seen swimming in the sea. Cong

Holy Kerala elephants bathe in the sea in India I am sure. Great story! Good pic!

Wonderful shot of this elephant Ravi. Elephants my fav. animals:) TFS. Regards,
Bahadır

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer [C: 685 W: 0 N: 2] (43)
  • [2008-07-19 3:52]

Hello Ravi, realy lovely shot of an elephant. Great composition. TFS.
Regards,
Mehmet

Wonderful shot of this lovely elephant Ravi. TFS.
Greetings,
Deniz

Dear Ravi
Great action photo, and I add your work to my theme "Animals' Behaviour"

The splashing of the feet adds interest; I appreciate the natural colours

Warm greetings from South Africa
Ingrid

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