ZIMBABWE | ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER
Elephant ENCOUNTER
WRITER: JESSICA WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY: WILD HORIZONS Elephants are an embodiment of Africa. They cover themselves in Earth’s red soil. Their wrinkled skin is like a map of trails through the wilderness. A sense of tranquillity encompasses them, yet we never doubt the power and strength they will call upon when necessary. When we protect elephants, we are protecting an inherent and beautiful part of this wild continent.
THE WILD HORIZONS ELEPHANT SANCTUARY The elephants walk with casual purpose, muscles rolling and rippling beneath their thick grey skin. Never do they stop interacting through low rumbles and gentle touches. It is hard to imagine that these elephants, with such distinct family bonds, were once orphaned. That Jumbo, who wears his confidence like a second skin, was once a small, distressed calf whose future hung in the balance. But he was, just as they all were. This is the story of the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and the gentle giants who found a haven here.
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TRAVEL & LEISURE | ISSUE 17 | NOVEMBER 2020–APRIL 2021
During the drought between 1984 and 1986, the elephant population in Hwange National Park had exceeded the park’s carrying capacity. As part of their management plan, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority proceeded with what they called the grim but essential decision to cull 2,000
