Botswana's Silent Giants
Magnificent beasts roaming the wilderness. Silent giants of the bush.
Hunted down without any mercy. Killed in unimaginable numbers. By some, cherished as sacred and painted as mystical figures in ancestral story-telling. Embodying strength and power - abused for centuries for human amusements. The sparkling eyes of their spectators in arenas did not see the silent tears of their animal heroes. Their times as show-animals are thankfully over. Though it seems only the stage has changed. In many green washed animal sanctuaries around the world elephants are forced to perform for masses of tourists, belittled in their intelligence, drugged until they would paint pictures and pose for Instagram.
Back in Africa, poaching is still a blood-soaked reality. The perversion of civilized barbarism, fueled by unscrupulous greed for profit, has thus passed judgment on the so vulnerable species; the evolutionary autopilot seems relentless to destroy them. Where 100 years ago 10 million elephants roamed the earth, only 500.000 are left today fighting for their constantly diminishing habitat. Not even are they safe anymore within the boundaries of our reserves and parks - urging every single one of us to take responsibility for elephants cannot stand up for themselves.
Alongside Johnny Ramsden, one of this worlds most experienced and renown elephant guides, I have had the privilege a few times now to get close to these wandering giants in Botswana’s unspoiled wilderness. Every second of these encounters I was aware of the fact that I was the one walking in their territory. All I felt was humble appreciation and gratitude to be granted this space amongst them, based on mutual respect and curiosity.
A second earlier the young and hot-tempered bull would charge me in a seemingly childish attempt, only to stop the very next moment - clearly
re-evaluating the moment. Next he approaches, this time more in control of his temper, realizing that I mean no harm. With one last rythmic body shake he turns around and disappears into the bush once again. These kinds of moments of starring into an elephants eye, from specie to specie, will stay with me for the rest of my life. To live in peace with each other is a rule by which nature works. Elephants lead with example, where humanity fails every day.
These intimate moments of encounters mark turning points in my work as a photographer. Thanks to Johnny I found a way with my camera to see into the soul of these fascinating animals. Capturing the magic is never easy, but I would never fail to try. Extraordinary experiences I would like to share. Because of them, the pursue of my job has become inseparable from living the passion of my life.
Thanks to you, Johnny.
Thank you Africa.
The feature can be licensed through INSTITUTE
