An extraordinary evening with elephant twins

It was in the late evening on the vast Sasakwa Plains, with golden light spilling across the tall grass swaying gently in the breeze. Herds of zebra grazed in the distance, while a herd of elephants moved steadily through the open plain, their silhouettes framed against the warm glow of the setting sun. As we followed their slow, deliberate pace, one female drew particular attention. She was large and calm, moving with the steady confidence of a matriarch. But what made the sight unforgettable were the two tiny calves walking at her side, a pair of elephant twins, barely two months old.

The rarity of the moment was striking. Elephant twins are known to occur at only about one percent of births, making such an encounter an exceptional wildlife record. The young calves, still learning their place in the herd, displayed clumsy yet endearing behaviour. One fumbled with its trunk, trying to lift a stick from the ground, while the other pushed gently from behind, almost as though encouraging its sibling. All the while, the mother remained close and composed, while the rest of the herd lingered nearby, their presence offering both security and guidance.

The plains carried the low rumble of elephant communication as the group moved slowly forward, their unity a reminder of the deeply social fabric that defines elephant life. Unlike many species, elephants do not raise their young in isolation; the whole herd plays a role, ensuring survival through collective care. To witness twins is a rare gift of nature, and to see them thriving under such protection was humbling. As the evening light deepened and the grass glowed with the last warmth of day, it became clear that this was not just another sighting, but a glimpse into one of nature’s quiet miracles on the Sasakwa Plains.