There Is Something Magical About Observing Elephants
There is something magical about observing elephants.
They have a way of touching your soul. Perhaps it is because, like us, they form strong family bonds and display a remarkable range of emotions, from affection and tenderness to anger and distress.
They are also fiercely protective of their young. When a herd senses danger, the adults close ranks, pushing the youngest into the centre. Trunks reach out, ears flap and loud calls fill the air as the family protects its most vulnerable members.
That is exactly what happened when I photographed Bonds of Love.
Shortlisted for the 2021 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award.
The Print That Captured a Family's Protective Embrace
Bring the beauty of wild Africa into your space with a museum-quality fine art elephant print that celebrates love, unity, and strength.
The Story Behind the Print
We were watching a family of elephants when a bull began trying to separate a newborn baby from its mother.
The situation became increasingly distressing to watch. Then the newborn let out a shriek.
Almost instantly, everything changed.
The family responded. The elephants moved towards the baby and surrounded it, closing ranks around the newborn. Trunks reached towards the young elephant as if reassuring it that it was safe.
The family had formed a protective circle around the most vulnerable member of the family.
It was a remarkable display of instinct, protection and connection.
What made the moment even more personal was that my wife and our baby were sitting beside me.
They love joining me on safari, but this particular scene was difficult for them to watch. Seeing the bull trying to separate the baby elephant from its mother upset them, and they wanted to leave.
So we began to drive away.
Then, as I looked in the rear-view mirror, I saw what was happening behind us.
The family had surrounded the newborn.
I immediately turned the vehicle around.
I managed to get back into position and capture the photograph of the elephant family gathered around the baby.
I made a single photograph.
That photograph became Bonds of Love.
Bonds of Love Acrylic Glass Print
Where Family Stands Together, A Moment of Protection, Forever Preserved
Why Elephant Families Move Us
There is something deeply recognisable in the way elephants respond to one another.
Their family structures are built around strong social relationships, with mothers, babies and other members of the elephant family remaining closely connected. Older females play an important role in guiding and protecting the younger elephants.
In this moment, there was no hesitation.
A threat appeared, the baby called, and the family responded.
That is what I think people see when they look at Bonds of Love. It isn't simply a mother protecting her baby. It is an entire family closing ranks around one of its own.
Over the years, collectors have told me that the photograph reminds them of their own families, of children growing up, of parents protecting their children, and of the people who stand together when they are needed most.
Perhaps that is why the photograph continues to resonate.
The story belongs to the elephants, but the feeling is something we understand.
Bonds of Love | Acrylic Glass Print
Modern Space, Timeless Emotion, Elephant Family Strength in Every Detail
The Same Family, Another Story
Bonds of Love was photographed in Addo Elephant National Park, home to one of Africa's most distinctive elephant populations.
It is also where I photographed Ubuntu, another photograph from the same tuskless elephant family.
Ubuntu | Elephant Family
An ancient African philosophy meaning, "I am because we are."
Ubuntu | Acrylic Glass Print
Face-mounted acrylic with a slimline white aluminium frame
What Collectors Say
"It captures the spirit of my family — four daughters and seven granddaughters — gathering together, protecting one another with love and quiet strength. I see it every morning. I will cherish it always."
— Sally, Johannesburg
"Peter's beautiful work is truly epic... a connection to nature and the earth that is truly rare."
— Spencer Wynn, Canada
"Everyone loves your work — Bonds of Love now hangs where nurses support victims of abuse... bringing comfort and strength."
— Troy, USA
Bonds Of Love | Collector’s Edition
Hand-signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
Bring Bonds of Love Home
Bonds of Love is available as an Unframed Fine Art Print on archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag, and as a face-mounted Acrylic Glass Print.
All are produced to archival fine art standards, with free worldwide shipping.
For those who recognise something of their own family in the way elephants protect theirs.
