Love From A Distance

There is something spiritual about elephants. We all know it, even if we don't fully understand why we feel such an emotional connection with them. 

For me, it's their capacity to love. It's gentle but powerful, and from the way they remember and mourn each other, it's clearly unwavering. In a world where people can often feel disconnected, elephants remind me that deep emotional bonds and quiet compassion are what truly matter.

So this photo is a very special one for me, not only because of the memories I carry, but also because of the lesson I learned. 

I was at an elephant sanctuary in Kenya, and while we weren’t meant to interact with the elephants, a group of mischievous babies had other plans. They escaped their mud bath and bounded straight for us—playful and completely unbothered by the rules.

I'll never forget the feeling of their curious, wrinkly trunks. I've seen thousands of elephants before, but obviously I've never touched one. It felt like pure love, and not because I'd done anything to deserve it, but because that's just how they are. I will admit, I was very excited to experience it up close and to capture such beautiful photos of the moment. 

But after the sanctuary team had gently led the baby elephants away, they told me a little more about what they are trying to do. Without making me feel bad, they explained why it is so important to give the elephants their space. 

Here's the thing: that kind of moment should be rare. Elephants are wild. Not performers. Not photo props. And while the sanctuary I visited does such amazing work—rescuing orphans, gently preparing them to return to the wild—many places prioritise 'entertainment for people' over the rehabilitation of their wildlife.

One puts the animal first. The other puts it on display.

I believe we can help. But only if we remember that sometimes loving something doesn't mean letting it go - it means never trying to hold onto it in the first place. 

We can either have one bright, up-close moment with an elephant, and lose them forever... or we can let them be wild, and be inspired and uplifted by them forever.