This group of elephants goes to a specific cave every night. Why they do this is even more surprising.
Herd of elephants in the cave – Viaggi.nanopress.it
Elephants are large mammals with long trunks. There are several species of them worldwide, and they also have ivory-colored tusks. For example, the main species that we can classify are the African, Asian, and Forest species. All these species differ from each other in their different shapes, sizes and weights, but above all in the place where they survive best.
The main reason for this is that everyone is very afraid of their size.
Today we will see a very special story where a herd of elephants goes into a cave every night. However, just to leave you speechless: it will be the real reason they do it. Let’s take a closer look at what it is.
These elephants are going into a cave
Elephants are an animal species that could be threatened with extinction. According to studies, the percentage of the elephant population has declined significantly in recent years. There is talk of a reduction of around 62%and that is an alarming fact to say the least as we all humans could take greater security measures that increase their protection.
The main reason any of these species might be so endangered is foraging, as many of them end up in landfills to forage. Elephants are not at all dangerous to humans unless they are extremely disturbed.
These are animals that, in most cases, are self-sufficient thanks to the vast nature that surrounds them. When we better understand why some elephants go into a cave every night, you will be amazed.
We are in Kenya, more precisely on the border with Uganda. There is a volcano here that has been extinct for centuries called Monte Egon. On the sides of the great mountain there are cavities, also called caves, that lead straight into the interior of the volcano. There are many scientists trying to penetrate it every year to discover the rare beauties it might contain. but no man has ever succeeded in penetrating very far.
Herd of elephants – travel.nanopress.it
The fauna that covers this volcano is always present and very rich. In particular, it is inhabited by elephants. One day some hikers find themselves on the slopes of this mountain, with the intention of visiting it for a whole day. However, since they were unable to visit the entire mountain up to the area obviously traversable for men, they decided to camp near one of the many caves. Especially the one they chose is Kitum Cave, but they decided to stay outside and only enter when they felt threatened. Luckily that wasn’t the case, because shortly after they settled in for the night, they heard heavy footsteps.
These are elephants that were about to approach them. They immediately decided to take cover and let her pass, hoping they wouldn’t notice her presence. And that’s how it was A herd of elephants, led by the leader of the herd, entered the Kitum Cave, from which they did not come out for several hours. After some investigations they have done, they find out that these elephants go to this cave every night. But what is the real reason?
The reason is exactly that
Every night these elephants from the African savannah sink inside the volcanoThe reason is not yet clear. What can be deduced from this, since they travel every night? it’s probably because they’re looking for something that will then be useful for their survival.
The caves were once used by the Maasai tribe for the entire survival of generations. To this day no one can stay inside. When there is no water or food in the areas around Kenya and Uganda, especially around Mount Egon, elephants are desperate to find something to ensure their survival.
Elephant in the cave – Viaggi.nanopress.it
It is no coincidence that they choose the guts of Mount Egon, there is one particular reason that will take your breath away. The walls of Kitun Cave are actually rich in mineral salts, especially sodium, which is vital for the elephants when there is nothing else around.
There are many scientists who are passionate about the animal world and continue to do research today. From this it can be concluded that elephants are probably already aware of the benefits that sodium or other mineral salts can have in their diet. That’s why they go to this cave every night to feed themselves so and especially because at night they are more likely not to be disturbed by anyone, including humans.
These large mammals, led by the pack leader, make a real pilgrimage to remove all mineral salts from the cave walls. This is possible thanks to their proboscis, which is also very long, with which they manage to reach the top and stock up on salt. Many scholars were shocked and moved by these scenes.