Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

In color, a wildlife photograph shows a massive African elephant bull drinking water at sunset. The background is glowing with the last red sunset color combined with the blue hour color. Behind the elephant are two black rhinos standing.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 23 March, 2024

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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D X and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/11
  • Exposure time: 1/2s
  • ISO: 3200
  • Focal Length: 40mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 3456 by 5184 pixels (WxH).

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A massive African elephant is drinking water at a waterhole at sunset. The sky has the last glowing colors of the sunset in Africa while the blue hour sets in. Behind the elephant stand two black rhinos on the other side of the water. All three animals show their sides. The fading sunset and moon create a warm, beautiful scene under the African night sky. The red, orange, blue, and black colors cohesively form a tranquil scene.

Elephant & African Sunset

Elephants come often to waterholes when the sunset happens. While elephants are drinking, the elephant’s trunk can hold up to 12 liters / 3.17 gallons of water. Male African elephants, we also call “bachelors” or “bulls.”

They leave the matriarchal herd when they reach sexual maturity. As a result, they compete for dominance. Bulls spend their time in small groups of other males or spend time alone. They are known to be solitary.

As seen in the African Elephant Drinking Water image, the bull is alone. Bulls have a musth gland on both sides of their head with that they secrete musky substances once a year to attract females for mating. Indeed, that musth period includes erratic behavior, aggression, and dominant displays. African elephant bulls use loud vocalizations.

African elephants, Loxodonta africana, are in the category vulnerable in the IUCN list.

Discover more elephant photographs from Africa and Asia, and explore my Tusker portfolio. In our photography portfolios, you can buy stock image licenses and wall art prints on high-quality materials. Such as fine art paper, modern metal, Alu-Dibond, canvas, and acrylic print.

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2 comments for African Elephant Drinking Water At Sunset

  1. Thomas

    One of my favorite elephant photographs of yours. I love the African sunset. Also, the night sky is fantastic.

    • Anette Mossbacher

      Thanks so much. 😀

  2. Jacques

    Beautiful golden elephant

    • Anette Mossbacher

      Thanks so much, Jacques.

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