While visiting the Kruger National Park on a safari, we stopped at a river and scanned the area for wildlife. We saw a lot of hippos and crocodiles scattered in and out the water for as far as we could see. It was not long before a herd of elephants appeared on the opposite bank of the river. At first, we thought they arrived for a drink of water but soon realized that this elephant herd was actually going to cross the river. For a large elephant the river was not that deep but for the baby elephants in the herd, the water was deep enough to disappear under. Added to that is the fact that the river was infested with hippos and crocodiles, making such a crossing for a baby elephant very dangerous. While watching the elephant herd cross the river, one hippo gave a big yawn to show off his dangerous teeth and to send a message to stay clear. The elephants kept going and we realized that one baby elephant was lagging behind. The herd didn’t stop and kept going, leaving the baby elephant behind in a vulnerable position. We watched anxiously how the baby elephant just kept swimming with its head dunking under the water every now and then. Luckily the mother elephant realized her baby was lagging behind and slowed down a little. The brave baby elephant kept going while we were just hoping that nothing bad will happen to the baby. The mother was letting her baby cross through the river with no help from her. One of the many skills to be learned by baby elephants while growing up in a tough and hostile environment. The mother kept one eye on her baby until she was safe back onto dry land. It was a real happy moment for all of us once the baby elephant made it to the other side.