Etosha National Park, Botswana, Africa

African leopard drinks behind an African elephant. Feisty enough to sneak up on this elephant bull. Cooling off in the waterhole, the elephant had no idea what was behind. The elephant kept dipping under the water.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 16 July, 2023

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

  • Aperture: ƒ/7.1
  • Exposure time: 1/1600s
  • ISO: 640
  • Focal Length: 600mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 4506 by 3004 pixels (WxH).

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African leopard drinks behind an African elephant. Feisty enough to sneak up on this elephant bull. Cooling off in the waterhole, the elephant had no idea what was behind. The elephant kept dipping under the water. The elephant frequently surfaced then would go under again. It was pure bliss to watch this incredible animal. The leopard snuck up behind this elephant to drink. I knew this female leopard had two cubs hidden nearby the waterhole. I waited three days to catch a glimpse of the cubs. Sadly, I never got to see them. Instead, lots of elephants came to drink.

Leopard And Elephant

Instead, I witnessed how this African leopard drinks behind this African elephant. The female leopard was very feisty to do so. The elephant dipped again and again in the cooling water. Surprisingly it took the elephant quite a few minutes to realize what was behind. When he finally realized what was behind his back, he quickly turned. He saw this leopard drinking behind him and subsequently started the usual flapping of the ears. The leopard did not react at all. Instead, she finished her drinking and went in peace slowly back to her hide. The elephant continued his spa treatment. Discover more photos of this elusive animal.

African elephant, Loxodonta africana, is listed in the vulnerable category in the IUCN list.

You can purchase photo wall art prints on high-quality print materials in my nature photography portfolios, such as fine art paper, canvas, modern metal, acrylic print, and Alu-Dibond. I as well have stock photos for sale. Browse more photos of elephants in my portfolio. View as well my leopard images, including photos of big cats.

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1 comment for Leopard Drinks Behind African Elephant

  1. Karen

    Surprise will come 🤩 I just love this leopard and elephant photo. 👍

    • Anette Mossbacher

      These 2 animals gave me quite a nice display. Thank you

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