Twinning and winning hearts

The Asian Elephant twins have many questions for their mum

Jaadi: Mummy, why are all these people fascinated with us?

Mum: Ah that’s because you and Moodi are twins and that’s very special in the elephant world.

Moodi: How come?

Mum: Well, elephants have the longest gestation period of any living mammal and we almost always give birth to only one calf at a time. It’s hard enough carrying one baby elephant inside, two is a lot harder!

Jaadi: Oh no, did we hurt you a lot by being in your tummy?

Mum: No sweetie, it was a labour of love. Actually, it was a bit harder with your elder brother.

Moodi: Because he’s a smelly poo-poo and not cute and lovable like us?

Bando: Shut up, squirt! See these tusks? One day they're going to be huge and long and you’re going to be sorry you said that!

Mum: Now now, Bando, they’re just joking. You need to be calm and take care of your little siblings. Especially if you grow up to be a big Tusker!

Bando: What do you mean “if”?

Mum: Well not all elephants get long tusks. Some stop growing after a while. It doesn’t make you any less of an elephant. So don’t worry.

Bando: No. I will be a Tusker by hook or by crook. Jaadi and Moodi, from now on you need to pull on my tusks every day and help them grow.

Mum: (chuckling) Fine fine. Now let’s get back to eating. Lots of grass for you two little ones. Bando, you need more fruit in your life and you better start getting used to eating bark too, if you want to grow big and strong!

Story of the Photo

Udawalawe National Park is well known for its abundant elephant population and guests at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Udawalawe have amazing sightings whilst on safari and near the camp. However, this sighting, captured by Dilum, was extra special as it was a picture of the twins, their older brother and their mother out foraging by the reservoir inside the park - making it quite the family picture!