When it comes to bodyguards, you really couldn’t do much better than these guys.
In a heartwarming display, a mighty herd of elephants huddles around a female to protect her from prowling lions and hyenas as she gives birth.
The protective group circled the mother, scratching the soil with their enormous feet and closing any gap between them to block the view of any potential predators.
Moments after the birth, the calf can be seen clutching the tusk of an adult with its trunk as it staggers to its feet for the very first time.
You’re having a laugh: A prowling hyena is forced to slink away after members of the herd stamp and sling dust into the air to ward it off
Do not disturb: The herd throws grass and soil all over the area. Photographer Paolo Torchio believes this behaviour may be to hide the smell of the blood and the placenta, and to ward off predators like hyenas and lions
Bodyguards: An animal would have to be either very brave or very stupid to tangle with this lot
Paolo said: ‘We observed an unusual tight congregation.
Curious: The mother and other adult elephants hover over the calf moments after it is born
Let’s have a look: The herd circles around to catch a first glimpse of the new arrival
I’m down here: The calf raises its little head and trunk off the ground for the first time as the other elephants continue to keep guard
Give us a hand: The newborn clutches the tusk of an older elephant as it staggers to its feet for the very first time
Hello mum: The new arrival pops up to give its mother a tender kiss on the cheek
‘It is almost impossible to determine if an elephant is pregnant or not. So, what was happening in front of us was really the most intimate and secret event in the elephant’s life.’
Now hear this: The herd proudly trumpets the arrival of their latest member