Following In Big Footsteps
on Sep 19, 2023The African Elephant, or how I like to call them “The Gentle Giant”, is any guest's dream to see on safari. Before I start any safari, I always ask my guests if there is one animal that they could choose to see, what would it be? Eight out of ten times the answer would be Elephants.
Watching these incredible animals over the years has taught me so much in life, even when you are just spending a few minutes with them you will learn something. From compassion and empathy to teamwork and patience, there is always a life lesson somewhere to be learnt, but it is the matriarch of the herd that teaches you the most.
Every elephant herd will follow the instructions of their Matriarch. This is normally the oldest, biggest, and wisest female in the herd. She is the mastermind behind the dynamics and logistics of the herd’s whereabouts, she provides stability, and is the most respected female in the herd and her herd will follow her instructions no matter the situation.
We were in an elephant sighting one day, and the Matriarch - with her calf - came to feed next to our vehicle. Watching her interacting with the calf, almost as if she was telling the calf that we mean no harm to them… it was incredible to feel how calm they were around us. While we sat there watching them, a thought crossed my mind about the next Matriarch in line. This new Matriarch could only be a couple of months or years old now, not knowing the role that she would play in a few years’ time.
Being related to the Matriarch has its perks, but it also comes with great responsibility. When the Matriarch dies, she is normally succeeded by her closest relative, most of the times this is usually her oldest daughter. Throughout her life, she will learn from the Matriarch, from where the best watering holes are, to grazing grounds, and even where to go in summer times to find the best Marula trees.
The saying “The memory of an elephant” comes in play here. Since the new Matriarch was just a little calf, the former Matriarch has already started to show her around, teaching her everything she needs to know. Leading the way to a watering hole, the next in line memorises the path that they took to the water source. Without her even knowing that she might need to lead her herd there one day. The Matriarch will keep her close by with any decisions she needs to make, in the hopes that her successor will learn from her, and that her wisdom, and that of the many Matriarchs before her, would be carried on to the next.
At first, the new Matriarch will have a tough time proving her worth to the rest of the herd. She has a big role to fill, and a lot of pressure is put on her to lead her family. When a decision needs to be made, they will turn to her for guidance, and hopefully she learnt from the previous leader what to do in that specific situation. She will make a few mistakes at first, but as the years go on, she will find her own way of leading her herd, and at the same time, mentoring the next. A cycle that will forever repeat itself.
Thinking back to the tiny elephant calf that was still suckling from her mom, it is incredible to think that she might be the next Matriarch in line. But for now, she is still enjoying her carefree life, and the only thing she needs to be worried about is learning how to follow in her mom’s big footsteps.
Blog by Daniel Greyvenstein (Bush Lodge Ranger)
