Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) in Hwange National Park. by Kees van den Burg

African elephants (Loxodonta Africana) in Hwange National Park in search of water at the end of the dry season. Skinny elephants.

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest land animal in the world and a striking representative of African wildlife. Adult males can reach a height of about 3.2 to 4 metres at the shoulder and a weight of 5,000 to 14,000 kilograms. Females are generally smaller than males. African elephants have large, flapping ears that resemble the shape of the African continent. The ears play a role in regulating their body temperature.
They have long tusks, which are teeth that protrude from the elephant's upper jaw. Not all African elephants have large tusks; it is common for some individuals to have small tusks or no tusks at all.

Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and is located in the west of the country, near the border with Botswana. The park covers a vast area of about 14,600 square kilometres and is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from forests and grasslands to dry desert-like areas.

Hwange is also known for its large population of elephants, making it one of the best places in Africa to observe these majestic animals in the wild. There are several waterholes scattered throughout the park, which is essential for attracting animals especially during the dry season.