Mud-caked Elephants at Chirundu

A small herd of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) on the banks of the Zambezi River near Chirundu, their skin heavily coated in fresh river mud. Taken in 2017, this photograph captures the elephants during the dry season, showcasing the essential behavior of mud-wallowing for thermoregulation and skin protection. The dark, wet mud creates a striking contrast against their tusks and the sun-bleached riverine grass.