david korte photographs

OK, so just now, I see this young man, maybe nine years old, maybe not.  He is creeping along the drive of my neighbors, sneaking among the trees, eyes fixed on something beyond.  He is carrying a handful of mangoes.  This is common today, for the mangoes are ripe and dropping.  The elephants have arrived from the surrounding forests to partake in this sweet feast.  The young man, or boy, looks intent on sneaking up to a target.  I know what is about to happen, so I grab my camera and dart out through the kitchen door, around the back of the house.  One of the large male elephants is feeding peacefully in the garden, heading slowly toward a large mango tree.

Soon, I see mangoes flying through the air, one bouncing off the elephant’s back.  The elephant turns in surprise to see more mangoes coming his way, and spots the boy behind the sporting activity.  With a trumpet and flapping ears, the elephant charges the boy, who is now running off at great speed, laughing.  Judging by the look on the boy’s face, he has discovered a great new sport.

In a way, this is a good thing.  Now, when the elephant has finally had enough of this harassment and charges after us, we will understand why.  I sincerely hope that no harm comes to the residents of Yenzi as a result of elephant behavior.  But considering the behavior of some of our residents, it appears the elephants will not be to blame.