Yesterday our friends at Lion Sands witnessed a wonderful and very private affair: an elephant mother giving birth to a healthy calf.

Elephants seek a secluded place to give birth and are accompanied by other females to act as guards. The tiny calves (av. 120kg and 90cm at shoulder) are subject to predation and will stay very close to the mother even walking under her belly and between her legs. The photos show the protective lager the elephants formed for the occasion as well as the tiny new addition safely ensconced between them.

Photos with permission. For the full story, more about elephant gestation, and additional pictures visit Lion Sands Safari Journal.