In the previous post (part 1) I mention "Hapoor", "hap" meaning "nick" and "oor" meaning "ear". He was the dominant elephant bull for 24 years since 1944 – 1968.  The nick (right ear as we see him) is believed to have been caused by a riffle bullet, which led him to become a hater of man. He was the sire of most calves in this period and although he was challenged for leadership in fights to the death, he remained "king". He even killed a female who was darted for medical reasons, first trying to keep her up and then when she fell stabbed her with his tusks.
He was deposed by that very female's son in 1968, and he became a loner, which lead to him breaking through the elephant fence, it is said the only one to do this, and knowing his nature and the fact that no fence will hold him in, Hapoor was shot as there was no other choice. He left his mark in the genetic stamp on the elephants in the park, but also a cast of his head in the interpretive centre and a watering hole named after him.  I believe the head is about at his height, which would have been close to 4 meters, so me with Boeta on my shoulders would nearly have been able to walk underneath him. This also gives you an idea how big these animals get in relation to humans. We all posed for a picture with Hapoor. Boeta also loved to look at him from underneath and he got a deserved wave too.
 Then we headed back to the old diesel. Not before mom showed him the interesting trees on the way, wild fig trees, I believe.
  Finally we were ready to go. Ready for some last viewing as we took the route home through the park. We had the whole Sunday after all.
Filed under: Family, Fauna, Holiday spots, Parenting, toddler Tagged: dad, Elephants, Family, Holiday, mom, Nature, Parenting, photos, Wildlife
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