Swimming Elephant
“Rajan” – Andaman Islands – Jody MacDonald – Featured Photographer
My first thought of the Andaman Islands was always giant tortoises like those of the Galapagos Islands. Now I will associate them with underwater elephants. As Jody describes below, it is a very cruel reason why this big guy was taught to swim, but I still find the image captivating and fascinating as well. Since visiting her website I will also associate Jody MacDonald with being world class explorer and adventure photographer. She is living the life that many of us dream about living. Check out her website and follow her on Facebook for her latest adventure.
Website: www.jodymacdonaldphotography.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodymacdonaldphotography
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/jodyphoto
Enter Jody:
Rajan is one of the few salt water swimming elephants on Earth. Initially trained using very cruel methods to log the islands of the Andamans, he was forced to swim with massive loads. At 60 years he is the last of the group to survive. Now retired, he spends his time with his caretaker and now enjoys swimming and walking through the forests he once logged. He is truly the last of his kind.
Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Focal Length 20mm
Shutter Speed 1/250 sec
Aperture f/4.5
ISO/Film 400
Share and Enjoy
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Super! And a happy elephant to boot.
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Unusual photo.
Beautiful!
One of my most favorite images we have posted here at http://photobotos.com/
spectacular
How lovely that the elephant is finally living a life of joy – and how sad that those cruel humans will probably never be brought to justice.
Just unbelievable! We want to jump in!
Bella and DiDi
Oh, this is just unreal!!!! Delightful!
So brave!
Oh! So cute!! ♥
hehe cute!
I’m sure he’s laughing with joy.
That is absolutely marvelous!
Weee! This made me giggle. I love it!
Great post today!!!! Just love the colors!!!
He may have been taught to swim via cruel methods, but the picture makes him look so happy!! It makes me happy!
Majestic, even under water! Great shot. Underwater reflections can be tricky. Nice job to overcome that!
How fun is that?
Thank goodness he looks like a very happy elephant now. Such a wonderful photograph – thank you for sharing.
This photo is brilliant. It speaks to me of freedom, and what joy freedom brings. It also is a reminder of the pain that many animals go through for our own selfish sake.
A happy picture is priceless.
This made me grin!
Gorgeous! Made my day!
Great image and yes, very sad story…looks like Rajan is smiling in this photo.
This is insane
Glad Rajan is retired and swimming because he wants to.
Great picture sad story I could imagine what he had to endure
Absolutley amazing photo! I’m smiling ear to ear just like this swimming elephant.
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Amazing! Exactly how I feel some days in the pool…
Ohmygosh — I love this! It captures the epitome of joy!
You always highlight such wonderful photographers. Jody’s site and photographs are truly remarkable.
I love elephants!
how wonderful and amazing!
So happy picture! Love it!!
Wonderful shot. He seems to be smiling. I’m sure he’s deserved and is enjoying his retirement.
The first swimming elephant I ever saw was on Discovery Channel, and I was enchanted. I can just imagine how nice the buoyancy must feel — you can see the elephant smiling. Find some Hippos under water. They are also adorable!
So happy that he’s been rescued, at the twilight of his life… What a beautiful creature. ♥
Sheer pleasure
How cool is this? I get the opportunity to see what I couldn’t see in Zimbabwe on the Zambeze river. Thank you!
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventurecoaching.wordpress.com
Wow! What a great picture! I’m enjoying his swim right along with him!
Oh the pleasure of it – you can almost see it smile.