Immagini straordinarie evidenziano il declino della popolazione di elefanti con "extraordinari zanne"
In Africa's heart, fewer than 30 super tuskers roam the savannahs, according to the Tsavo Trust. These extraordinary elephants, with tusks weighing over 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and scraping the ground, are a testament to the continent's rich wildlife heritage.
Italian-born photographer Federico Veronesi has dedicated years to capturing these majestic creatures on film. His fascination with African wildlife led him to Kenya, where he eventually settled and began his journey of documenting the lives of these unique elephants.
One of the most elusive and remarkable super tuskers Veronesi encountered was Balguda, described as "probably the greatest tusker alive at the moment." Balguda was only known from occasional sightings during aerial patrols, and Veronesi spent years looking for him. In August 2023, Balguda was found in a remote corner of Tsavo, an encounter that Veronesi describes as one of his most intense experiences in the wild.
Veronesi's new book, titled "Walk the Earth," is a tribute to these last witnesses of a world before humans took over the Earth. It showcases the diversity of habitats where elephants live across Africa, from Namibia's deserts to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe.
Through his photography, Veronesi aims to create a connection between the viewer and the animal. He positions his camera low to the ground, making the elephant appear towering over the frame, and many of his most powerful images are in black and white. His goal is to make the viewer look into the soul of the animal.
"Elephants have an aura of calm patience, conveying a sense of wisdom and knowledge, while also being extremely social and caring for each other," Veronesi says. However, these gentle giants face numerous threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the continued danger of trophy hunting, especially for the few remaining great tuskers.
Veronesi's book highlights these challenges, shedding light on the threats elephants face today. He uses his platform to help protect wildlife. He donates images to conservation organizations, contributes to awareness campaigns, and has spoken internationally to raise awareness about ivory demand.
Despite the odds, Veronesi remains hopeful. "My hope is that through my photography, people will not only appreciate the beauty and majesty of these magnificent creatures but also understand the importance of protecting them for future generations," he says.
As we continue to lose these super tuskers to poaching and habitat loss, Veronesi's work serves as a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose if we do not act to protect these last witnesses of a world before humans took over the Earth.
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