Trust Conquers Fear
When relationships are centered on trust. Fear is easily conquered. Dr. Winnie Kiiru
©kathykarn
My favorite time watching baby elephants is when they start entering the massive Amboseli swamps. It takes great courage to slide down the swamp edge as the mother nudges them along. The tiny little trunk waving just above the water is beautiful to watch. I can just imagine their little feet paddling like crazy under water. It’s always a great lesson in what can be achieved when relationships are centered on trust. Fear is easily conquered.
Sink or Swim ©kathykarn
Winnie’s story reminded me of an experience I had in Amboseli National Park last January. Because of drought conditions in the region, the Amboseli swamps were the sole water source for local wildlife. Adult elephants drink as much as 200 litres a day and if they can’t make the all-important daily trek to a drinking source, they will perish.
We parked close to one of the swamps when an elephant family paused to drink. At first, I didn’t notice the tiny baby tucked in behind a cow as she drank. Once sated, mama proceeded to slosh through the swamp towards us revealing a newborn calf dutifully following behind.
©kathykarn
I grew increasingly anxious as the water level rose to the cow’s chest and surpassed the height of the baby. At one point all I could see was the top of the calf’s head! Like Winnie, I pictured those little legs paddling frantically beneath the surface.
Periscope up! ©kathykarn
The little trunk waved like a periscope when the baby elephant dipped below the surface.
©kathykarn
When the group reached shallower water, the calf emerged coated in mud from stem to stern.
Slip and Slide ©kathykarn
The little jumbo slipped and slithered in the greasy muck as it struggled to find footing at the edge of the swamp.
I can do this! ©kathykarn
Undeterred the calf thrashed around until it found a foothold and stood up on all four tiny elephant feet.
Yes I can! ©kathykarn
The herd carried on sporting dark high-water marks along their bodies, proof of the depth of the challenge for the smallest in the herd.
©kathykarn
The newborns implicitly trusted their giant caregivers would save them if needed. The adults walked on with purpose, discreetly communicating confidence in the calves’ ability to stay with the family. I’ve witnessed how protective elephants are of their young. If any one of the babies got into trouble, I know strong big trunks would have responded to the rescue in an instant.
©kathykarn
There’s no helicopter parenting in elephant society. Elephant parents may have big expectations, that’s essential for survival, but they are not stern. There’s plenty of love to go around and after an achievement they understand the comfort of warm milk and a snuggle. Human parents take note!
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