Viral video: Majestic elephant herd crosses Brahmaputra river, watch

In a stunning display of natural prowess, a massive herd of elephants was recently captured on camera crossing the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The breathtaking scene unfolded at Nimati Ghat in the Jorhat district, where approximately 100 elephants navigated the swirling waters, a moment expertly documented by landscape photographer Sachin Bharali.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by SACHIN BHARALI (@sachin_bharali)

Elephant herds typically range from 5 to 15 members, but occasionally, as in this case, they can be much larger, influenced by factors like climate, terrain, and resource availability. The crossing showcased the resilience and unity of these gentle giants, highlighting their ability to adapt to challenging environments.

The awe-inspiring footage quickly garnered attention on social media, with senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sudha Ramen resharing the clip with admiration. "Elephants are incredible swimmers!" she remarked in her post, underscoring the impressive spectacle captured by Bharali.

Further adding to the discourse, IFS officer Susanta Nanda reflected on the dynamics of the herd, particularly focusing on the protective measures around the calves during such crossings. "Just figure out where the calves are in this formation. Teaching them real lessons of life with a wall around them," he noted insightfully.

Elephants are known for their tight-knit family structures led by a matriarch, which include several females known as nannies. Calves stay with their mothers for extended periods, nursing for up to four years and continuing to reside within the herd until their teenage years.

With Assam boasting an elephant population exceeding 5,700, the state remains a crucial conservation area for these magnificent creatures, second only to Karnataka, which hosts 6,395 elephants.