@beverlyjoubert

Young elephants are a joy to watch. Exuberant and bold, they'll readily charge at any perceived threats, safe in the knowledge that they can quickly return to the rest of the herd if their cheeky antics are met with an aggressive response. It's this social cohesion that is perhaps the elephants' most admirable trait. They seem to understand the importance of working together, communicating with the gentle touch of a trunk or a low rumble. Spending time in the company of elephants, we've had the opportunity to truly appreciate these qualities and many more. ⁣ ⁣ This #WorldElephantDay, let’s remember that their future depends on us.⁣ ⁣ #thejoyofelephants #elephant #thisismytrophy #wildlife #nature #elephants #elephantsofinstagram #elephantconservation #elephantcalf #elephantherd #conservation #endangeredspecies⁣

Today is World Lion Day.⁣ ⁣ We’ve had the privilege of spending much of our lives alongside lions, gaining a glimpse into the complexities of life in the pride, and sharing these unique stories through photo and film. Our goal has always been to connect audiences with these charismatic creatures and to illuminate the need to protect them. If we allow apex predators like lions to disappear from the savannas and woodlands they call home, we risk losing entire ecosystems. Lions are not only the rulers of the plains, they are also architects of biodiversity. This is why we, along with many other scientists and conservationists around the world, are devoted to protecting lions against all odds.⁣ ⁣ If you'd like to contribute to lion conservation this #WorldLionDay, please consider contributing to the @greatplainsfoundation. You can also purchase limited edition T-shirts and other items featuring a design inspired by this image via @floatapparel. Proceeds go to conservation. ⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #lions #lionconservation #bigcatconservation #Okavangolions #littlebigcats #ThisIsMyTrophy #bigcatsofinstagram

We’ve spent much of our lives fighting for the conservation of big cats and, although we have seen some huge successes, these incredible predators still remain threatened. Lions have disappeared from as much as 95% of their historic range in Africa, and their populations have declined by over 40% in just a few decades. As we count down the hours to #WorldLionDay, we’re renewing our commitment to protecting these apex predators and the crucial habitat they need to thrive.⁣ ⁣⁣ #lions #lionconservation #bigcatconservation #Okavangolions #littlebigcats #ThisIsMyTrophy #bigcatsofinstagram

#Repost from @NatGeo⁣ ⁣ Drenched and drained yet driven by a deep-seated, primordial instinct, wildebeest charge to the safety of the riverbank and push on. These infamous crossings along the path of what's called the Great Migration in the Serengeti will claim many unwary and unlucky travelers, but death is a natural part of this ancient cycle. In their epic search for abundant grazing, the million-plus wildebeest represent a vital force in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It’s up to us to protect this iconic spectacle from threats such as climate change and uncontrolled development.⁣ ⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

The procession.⁣ ⁣ When one wildebeest takes that bold leap into the crocodile-filled water, it triggers the rest to follow forming an unstoppable wave. Driven by herd instinct, thousands of wildebeest jostle and shove one another as they surge to the other side. A simple stumble can be the difference between life and death. Those that do perish in the frenzy provide sustenance for crocodiles, vultures and marabou storks. Scavenging hyenas move in to feast on the bounty, and as the carcasses decompose, insects lay their eggs inside them, creating food for mongooses and other species. Some estimates suggest that over 1,000 tonnes of biomass enter the Mara River each year feeding the water with vital nutrients and sustaining a crucial ecosystem.⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

It can be tricky to find moments of calm in the chaos of the river crossings that have become iconic of East Africa's great wildebeest migration. The pounding of hooves is accompanied by a cacophony of braying and grunting as the herds frantically splash their way through the turbid water. Amidst all the commotion, this dragonfly took advantage of a stationary crocodile and used its jagged tail as a resting spot. It's a vivid reminder of the myriad species that exist on the fringes of this natural spectacle. From the tiny to the huge, countless animals form part of this intricate ecosystem, which is why it's so vital that we protect it.⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

For each wildebeest driven to plunge into the turbulent waters of the Mara River – one of the final big challenges the herds must overcome before reaching the Kenyan plains – there are moments of deep uncertainty. Traversing this river is notoriously dangerous and many animals are trampled on the steep banks or drown in the chaos of the crossing. Predators and scavengers lie in wait for a chance to take advantage of the bounty. ⁣ ⁣ It can be difficult to capture the sheer spectacle of the migration and sometimes it's worth zooming in on an individual animal as it takes on the monumental task of crossing a river, something each wildebeest does with an unwavering determination shared only by its herd mates. Every wildebeest has a role to play in this ancient migration and each deserves to be celebrated for their resilience. ⁣ ⁣⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

Diving in.⁣ ⁣ For the masses of wildebeest that migrate yearly across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, river crossings are likely the most perilous part of the journey. Deep, churning waters filled with crocodiles are only part of the challenge. The wildebeest must also navigate steep banks while grappling with thousands of herd members. Here their numbers can be a hindrance. The safety that comes from travelling in huge herds is sometimes washed away by the difficulties of squeezing thousands of animals up a narrow pathway carved into a crumbling river bank. The Mara River which flows through northern Tanzania and southern Kenya is one of the final obstacles the wildebeest must face before they flood onto the Mara plains.⁣ ⁣ Prints of this image, as well as others captured during the migration, are available at www.beverlyjoubert.com⁣ (link in the bio). ⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife⁣

Dance of chaos.⁣ ⁣ River crossings during East Africa's Great Migration are usually frantic affairs, as thousands of wildebeest push and jostle, steadfast in their quest to make it to the other side. Many do not. And the patient vultures and crocodiles, who appear calm in comparison, will seize the opportunity for an easy meal. ⁣ ⁣ There is, however, some order in this chaos. Travelling in large numbers provides safety, particularly for the herd’s youngsters, and despite the thousands of animals that will inevitably perish in the frenzy, many more will survive and continue this ancient, cyclical journey. The grass that wildebeest eat along their seasonal route is returned to the earth in the form of dung that fertilises the soil of the Serengeti and creates a delicate balance.⁣ ⁣⁣ These resilient rhythms continue and adapt in the face of a changing world, but eventually the planet’s life support systems will fail if we do not protect them. It is up to us to work together if we hope to safeguard our precious home for future generations.⁣⁣ ⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

There's a loud chorus of grunts and snorts and the deafening pounding of hundreds of hooves as the wildebeest rush to the water's edge. River crossings are among the most dramatic moments of the migration. Driven by an undeniable urge to reach greener pastures, the herds charge towards the water, but often pause when they get there clearly aware of the dangers that may be lurking below the surface. It usually takes a brave individual or two to trigger the rest of the herd into action and soon all of the wildebeest surge forward in a pulsing wave that brings chaos to the otherwise calm waters.⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

Lions are an ever-present danger for the wildebeest and other antelope that travel en masse across the plains of East Africa each year. Typically, wildebeest graze on longer grasses, but the ungulates must be careful — tall vegetation sometimes conceals hidden dangers and lions will take every chance they get to pick off a struggling calf or an adult weakened from traveling hundreds of kilometres.⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #lion #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

Young wildebeest begin to stir in the fiery pre-dawn mist. Soon they will join thousands of others in a collective parade across the Mara. These youngsters are particularly vulnerable to attacks from predators and to the risk of being trampled in a sea of hooves as the herds push across rivers and up steep banks. Like all wildebeest, they seem to understand the power of safety in numbers and accept whatever fate awaits them at the end of their journey.⁣ ⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

As the herds shuffle hundreds of kilometres over the Serengeti savannas and across the Mara plains, predators are never far behind. Eager to take advantage of the annual bounty that the Great Migration brings, cheetahs prowl the grasslands keeping a watchful eye on the herds, hoping to pick off a calf or a straggler weakened by hunger and exhaustion. It can be gut-wrenching to see an individual meet its fate after travelling such vast distances and overcoming a slew of challenges, but death is a part of this ancient cycle – one that we must protect at all costs if we hope to continue marvelling at the world's largest overland migration.⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #cheetah #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

As many as 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 18,000 eland, and 500,000 Thompson’s gazelles – the numbers of East Africa's Great Migration are staggering. Here, a lone wildebeest stands on the horizon above a sea of pulsating bodies. He'll soon rejoin the fray as the masses thrust onward.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #wildebeest #GreatMigration #migration #wildlife #nature #Africa #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife

At least 200,000 zebras join the annual ungulate migration across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Although their numbers pale in comparison to wildebeest, the zebras create a dizzying display of black and white as they power their way across the grasslands, sometimes emerging from clouds of dust churned up by scampering hooves. With so many zebras moving together, disagreements often break out, adding to the frenzy.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #Kenya #GreatMigration #Migration #zebras #Serengeti #MaasaiMara #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #photooftheday #wildlife #wildlife_seekers #live_love_wildlife