In a heartwarming display, a mighty herd of elephants huddles around a female to protect her from prowling lions and hyenas as she gives birth.
Teamwork: The caring elephants create an impenetrable barrier protecting the mother as she gives birth to a calf in the Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Moments after the birth, the calf can be seen clutching the tusk of an adult with its trunk as it staggers to its feet for the very first time.
You’re having a laugh: A prowling hyena is forced to slink away after members of the herd stamp and sling dust into the air to ward it off
Do not disturb: The herd throws grass and soil all over the area. Photographer Paolo Torchio believes this behaviour may be to hide the smell of the blood and the placenta, and to ward off predators like hyenas and lions
Bodyguards: An animal would have to be either very brave or very stupid to tangle with this lot
Paolo added: ‘It was incredible, because to witness the birth of an elephant in the wild is almost impossible.
‘This is because it is impossible to predict the exact moment.
Curious: The mother and other adult elephants hover over the calf moments after it is born
Let’s have a look: The herd circles around to catch a first glimpse of the new arrival
I’m down here: The calf raises its little head and trunk off the ground for the first time as the other elephants continue to keep guard
Give us a hand: The newborn clutches the tusk of an older elephant as it staggers to its feet for the very first time
Hello mum: The new arrival pops up to give its mother a tender kiss on the cheek
‘It is almost impossible to determine if an elephant is pregnant or not. So, what was happening in front of us was really the most intimate and secret event in the elephant’s life.’
‘At about 7:30 am the elephants started trumpeting as though they were welcoming the new arrival,’ said Paolo.
‘Five minutes later we had the first glimpse of the new born between the legs of the giant animals.’
Huddled shoulder to shoulder in close formation, the elephants began thrusting mud around, it is believed, to put off predators off the scent of blood.
Now hear this: The herd proudly trumpets the arrival of their latest member
‘All the elephants were very, very, exited, and were digging the soil with the tusks and feet,’ said Paolo.
‘Also they were throwing grass and soil all over in an attempt , I can only suppose, to hide the smell of the blood and the placenta, and confuse possible predators.’
Creating an impenetrable wall around the calf, the adults, which included other females, attempted to help the youngster to its feet.
‘It was amazing to observe the unity of the family, with all the other female trying to help the new born,
‘At 8:15 am, almost one hour after birth, finally the new born elephant stood up with his mother and got a deserved dose of milk!’