THE CURRENT JOURNEY
“Tembo” is the Swahili word for elephant. To my western ears this is the perfect name. The rhythm of the consonants imply a grace, strength and character that the word “elephant” does not. Tembo is a one word poem to my ears.
Just like this one word poem, my first glimpse of an elephant in the wild was full of grace and strength. She was foraging with two other females and covered in red mud to keep her skin from burning in the hot afternoon sun. She was striking, her red muddied skin contrasting the green of the leaves around her. She knew we were there looking at her and snapping pictures, but she was unconcerned. She gave us a sideways glance and continued pulling up long grass, waving her ears like flags in the heavy hot air.
I saw many more elephants during my visit to Tanzania and every time I would feel this undeniable sense of calm as I sat in our vehicle and watched them.
Tembo.
Groups of females and youngsters would gather near the river to escape the afternoon heat and slather themselves with mud to stay cool. And in many cases the mud became part of their personas.
Tembo.
Always aware, their noses tilt to the air to catch any malevolence on the wind. Their vision is lacking, but their sense of smell is keen.
All of this… Tembo.
At Tarangire National Park, which is nicknamed “The Elephant Paradise”, all seems safe for these animals. But ongoing challenges are visible; a skeleton displayed at the park entrance with noticeably missing tusks, a pile of elephant dung with plastic in it.
I stop to pause. I don’t want to imagine a world without these creatures. How can we protect these magical beasts, with whimsical noses and ivory teeth? How can we ensure that the rhythmic word tembo rings out in recognition of these beautiful animals for ever more?
A Word on Poaching
From 2009 to 2014 the elephant population dropped by % 60 due to poaching activities. But Tanzania cracked down on the ivory trade and made more than 2,3000 arrests of poachers and wildlife traffickers. They also arrested 2 very high level leaders in the trade. Lessening this pressure on the elephants has been very beneficial. From 2014 to 2019 their populations have risen from 43,000 to 60,000. There is still some poaching activity in Tanzania, but the country is working towards a zero poaching policy.
A Word on Plastic Pollution in Tanzania
Tanzania has banned plastic bags in the country and is working to phase out non-recyclable plastic bottles. However plastic waste kills millions of animals in Tanzania every year. If you are planning to go on safari in Tanzania, or any African country, please choose a safari company that does not use single use plastic bottles.
I love the middle shot with the ear. Elephants are emotionally sentient beings as well. Very caring and connected to their families.
Tembo….perfect!