An Extraordinary Moment

Over the past ten years, Camembert (see Blogs 5 and 16) and I have logged many hours together, and I usually make a point of talking to her when spending time with her family.  Thus, I strongly suspected that she recognized my voice and was comfortable with my presence.  I also hoped that, on some level, I had earned her trust.

However, I was in no way prepared for the extraordinary moment when Camembert showed me the extent of that trust.  With one simple gesture, she redefined our relationship forever.

On that day, I was taking a guest on a morning game drive, introducing her to the many elephant families here on Lewa.  We were having good luck and had spent time watching the Currency family as they drank, bathed and gave themselves a thorough mud bath.  We also had come across the Liquer family, with its many new babies, in the Lewa swamp.

As we were winding our way around the swamp, I noticed that the Cheese family was walking along the river and was about to cross the road in front of us.  So, I switched off the car to wait and began to tell my guest about the family and its latest addition – Camembert’s new baby boy, Gorgonzola. 

As Camembert started to cross the road, I began, as usual, to talk to her.  When she heard my voice, she turned to face the car – unexpectedly, she then changed direction and began to walk down the road toward us.  To my utter amazement and delight, she stopped next to the car and urged her baby toward my window.  Little Gorgonzola came over to the car by himself, putting his trunk up to the window to get my scent.  We all froze – utterly spell bound. 

After a few minutes, Camembert put her trunk over Gorgonzola’s back and gently pulled him back to her side.  Then, as though this introduction was to be expected, the family quietly proceeded on their way to the swamp. 

MY FRIEND  -- CAMEMBERT

It was a moment that I shall never forget -- one that demonstrated, once again, just how emotional and intelligent elephant truly are. 

Camembert was proud of her precious new baby and wanted to show him off to her friend.  How lucky and honoured am I to be that friend!