The survival migration of mother elephants

The nutrient-rich red berry bushes are a lifeline for the elephant herd during the dry season. But to truly escape starvation and thirst, the elephant family led by a seasoned matriarch must cross a parched desert to reach a mysterious land. For this old matriarch family comes first for the past 50 years. She has witnessed the Oak of Ango Delta dry up repeatedly. Nothing escapes her watchful eyes. Although the Oak of Ango is still lush now. The matriarch knows this beauty is about to disappear. Two months later the dry season arrives. After enjoying the last waterhole. A journey of over 1,600 kilometers. Lasting 8 months begins. Only when the rains fill this marshland. Will the large family return? In the meantime the matriarch will lead her family to find a new place to live. Taking the entire herd deep into the dry season desert. It sounds crazy. But if they don't leave quickly. The supply points will all dry up. Without them they will struggle to reach their destination. Four days after leaving home thanks to her memory. The matriarch reaches a lush oasis of trees. This is the first supply stop. Now many migrating elephant herds have arrived here. And many of them are the matriarch's relatives. They rarely meet. Now the drought reunites them. It's time to enjoy a meal. Using skillful tree shaking techniques. Ripe red berries fall down. But that alone is not enough for the entire large family. Fortunately the matriarch has a powerful helper. A grown elephant approaches. It's her son. Although he has left the herd he often visits his mother. Now seeing his mother in trouble. As a son the bull elephant doesn't hesitate. To help the family that raised him. With his large body the bull elephant can stand on his hind legs. This skill provides an urgent solution for the entire herd. Fueled by the red berries. The elephant herd can now set off with peace of mind. Low frequency vibrations underfoot. Signal that water is ahead. This strange network of circles and lines. Is the trace left by ancient elephants. They are water holes. That can hold water for months. But in the dry season. Some holes have dried up. Others are still usable. This maze like system of water holes helps elephants navigate the desert. But only experienced ones can get through. After a day of trekking under the scorching sun. The matriarch and her family reach a water hole. But the water in the hole has dried up before they arrived. The nearby skeleton is likely from an elephant that succumbed to last year's drought. It's a warning after bidding farewell to their kin. The elephant herd continues. Following the matriarch they travel day and night. To reach the next water hole soon. The matriarch chooses the shortest route. The family cannot afford for her to make another mistake. Finally a flock of flamingos nesting attracts her attention. They only nest where insects are abundant. This is a signal for the elephant herd. There is likely water nearby. Through the flock of birds just as predicted. A water hole appears. Many animals gather here to drink. Although the water is murky for the elephant herd. It is life-saving water. After drinking their fill they head towards the next supply point. This supply point is little known. But the matriarch is very familiar with it. Leaving the old route. This leg of the journey will test the family's trust in her. What awaits them is the largest salt pan in Africa. Vast areas and harsh environments. Crossing it was almost impossible. But under the leader's guidance. The family set off. Following the memories of the island. The leader led the family onto an ancient trail. At the end of the path was a dreamlike island separated from the world. Baobab trees grew on the island. During the rainy season. The baobab trees stored large amounts of water in their trunks. The leader knew. Only these trees could provide. Sustenance for her family to overcome the dry season. Well fed and rested for a day and a night. When dawn broke the elephant family continued their journey. The desert environment was unpredictable. Moving forward was the only way out. Sandstorms struck. Causing rapid dehydration. In a critical moment the leader used her feet. Sensing the signal of water the herd did not hesitate. They moved forward. Finally a cliff blocked their path. The leader's intuition was correct. A swirling river was very close. But now the elephants on the cliff could only watch helplessly. Until a flock of red-billed oxpeckers flew by. In the leader's memory these birds had guided her years ago. She and her mother had found water. Now she tried the old method leading her family to follow the birds. Crossing the path above finally guided by the birds. They approached the small stream. These streams quenched the herd's thirst. And restored their strength. The leader thought let's keep following the birds. There might be new discoveries. The stream they had just found was actually a tributary of the Zembezi river. The Zembezi river is the fourth largest river in Africa. A majestic waterfall lay before them. It was called Victoria Falls. Located in the middle reaches of the Zembezi river between Zambia and Zimbabwe. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The upstream of the falls. The final haven the elephant herd sought appeared. There were many small islands here. The islands had abundant food and water. The islands were covered with palm trees. Indicating that many elephants had visited this place before. Palm nuts had passed through the elephant's digestive systems. And were excreted here. Now those nuts had grown into tall trees. And bore abundant fruit. Now the elephant herd guided by the birds had arrived here. They only needed to cross the river in front of them. To enter their dreamlike sanctuary. Considering the size of the calves. The leader led the family into the shallow water. But this decision also meant they would encounter crocodiles. The deeper they went the stronger the current became. Many elephants just one step from their destination. Were swept over the falls by the unforgiving river. The calves were losing strength. But the family would not abandon any member easily. Finally through the collective effort of all. The elephant family led by the brave matriarch finally reached the shore. Next. The leader and her family would rest here for a few months. Only when the food here.