Renata Ewald, a wildlife photographer in South Africa, captured a captivating moment during a leisurely stroll with a herd of elephants at Kruger National Park. The extraordinary scene involved a mother elephant inadvertently revealing her mammary glands as her persistent calf sought milk.

Ms. Ewald expressed her surprise, noting that she frequently visits Kruger and had never witnessed such a sight before. The mother elephant’s substantial breasts became visible as her calf attempted to nurse, causing her to stumble along the road.

Encountering the breeding herd during the early morning, Ms. Ewald maintained a safe distance to appreciate their presence. She noticed the specific female with her calf, and the exceptionally large mammary glands became noticeable from the sides.

Ms. Ewald, reflecting on the challenges faced by female elephants, highlighted that their pregnancies endure for an impressive 640 days, and after giving birth, their calves weigh around 250 pounds. These dedicated mothers continue to provide nourishment through breastfeeding for about four years.

The photographer noted the striking similarity between the mammary glands of female elephants and those of human females, describing the moment as a “lightbulb moment.” She expressed her deep affection for elephants and the joy of encountering them, especially as part of a breeding herd with their young ones.

The photographs captured the she-elephant leisurely walking with the herd, showcasing their happiness and joy. Ms. Ewald hopes that these images will foster a deeper appreciation for elephants, emphasizing their remarkable qualities.

She highlighted the intelligence and strong family bonds of elephants, noting that they share many similarities with humans and deserve the same level of respect and reverence.

In addition to the images of the mother and calf, Ms. Ewald also photographed young elephants engaging in playful tussling.

The cohesive family unit moved seamlessly, with a typical elephant family comprising an older matriarch, her daughters, and their individual calves. Male elephants often form bachelor groups as they reach sexual maturity, leading independent lives apart from the family herd.