In the forests of Kaziranga National Park, a newborn elephant calf nestles under its mother’s protective body, a glimpse into the tender family bonds that define these majestic creatures. National Geographic filmmaker Sangita Iyer’s striking photographs invite us to see elephants not just as endangered species, but as emotional beings with rich social lives.
- Elephants use touch to communicate within their close-knit herds.
- Photographer’s work spans over a decade focusing on elephants in India.
- Images reveal emotional depth, encouraging stronger conservation empathy.
What happened
Sangita Iyer, a National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker, has spent more than ten years capturing the lives of India’s Asian elephants. Her recent photographs from Kaziranga National Park in Assam reveal intimate moments of elephant family life, such as newborn calves seeking refuge beneath their mothers and gentle trunk touches exchanged between herd members. These images highlight the rich social and emotional bonds that elephants share.
Iyer’s journey began in childhood, witnessing the distress of a chained temple elephant. This early experience spurred her to document captive elephants starting in 2013, using her camera as a witness to both their suffering and social interactions. Her award-winning documentary and photographs emphasize elephants as individuals with emotions and relationships, not merely as endangered animals.
Why it feels good
These photographs offer a rare window into elephant society, challenging common perceptions that often overlook their emotional complexity. By showcasing the tender care a mother elephant provides her calf, and the calm, communicative interactions among herd members, the images foster empathy and connection between humans and elephants.
Iyer’s work underscores how seeing elephants as relatable beings with families and emotions can motivate greater compassion and urgency toward their conservation. When we appreciate their social lives and individual personalities, it becomes much harder to ignore the threats they face in the wild and captivity.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those moved by Iyer’s photographs, exploring her documentary on captive elephants in India is a meaningful next step. The film won numerous international awards and delves deeper into the challenges these majestic creatures endure while highlighting their emotional worlds.
Additionally, visiting or supporting conservation efforts at places like Kaziranga National Park can deepen one’s appreciation for Asian elephants. Following Iyer and the Voice for Asian Elephants Society’s ongoing work offers opportunities to stay informed and engage in protecting these gentle giants.