Donald Trump Jr holding the the tail of an elephant he killed this past week (yes, I know holding the tail is an African sign of respect) caused quite a ruckus online. For this Fab Photo Friday I thought I would share elephant photos from my safaris and from my volunteer experience in Thailand. Elephants are charismatic animals…touchingly close and maternal, majestic and often friendly. I still think it is an oxymoron to say that in order to save a species, hunters need to pay to kill a member of that species, but that’s just me. Even when the herds are too big, I can’t say I am enthusiastic about hunting. Since humans seem to have screwed up nature’s balance, I suppose hunters are needed…but I could never kill an animal myself. Yes, I feel badly enough about chickens and turkeys and pigs and cows…factory farming not only harms our environment but is cruel and unnecessary. Anyway…here are some of my favorite elephant photographs. The Asian elephant numbers are down to about 2,000 in the wild in Thailand…their extinction is almost a sure thing. Notice how elephants ears take the shape of the continent they are from?
Great photos. I especially love the little elephant with the big ears 🙂
Me, too!
Your pictures are wonderful!
Mary recently posted…National Burger Day 2015!
Thank you.
They are so beautiful. I hate that people hunt and or hurt them. They always seem so peaceful.
Oh, they can get very angry. Usually when they hurt someone, it is because of years of being captive or abused. But I totally agree…I don’t understand wanting to kill something so grand.
Tam Warner recently posted…Fab Photos Friday: Elephants
I don’t know why anyone would kill these beautiful creatures. He is an idiot.
I have a very tough time with hunting. It is hard to understand the desire to kill something….
Tam Warner recently posted…Fab Photos Friday: Elephants
Such magnificent creatures! Thanks for sharing these wonderful pics.
Kimba recently posted…What Would Mae Say?
You are welcome.
Tam Warner recently posted…Fab Photos Friday: Elephants
Tam, this sharing was SPECTACULAR! I LOVED every single one of them! These majestic gentle giants have been misunderstood for years. It’s heartbreaking what is happening to them. Humans could certainly use a larger dose of humanity. Loved this!
Thank you! Aren’t they something? And yes, humans are remarkably without humanity, I find.
Elephants are my favorites, and your photos are gorgeous. I have no respect for anyone who goes out to trophy hunt – who are they to take the lives of these precious animals?