Orphan Elephant
I met this baby elephant while documenting a baby elephant rehabilitation/release program in Assam, India. He had lost his mother in a flood. I spent a lot of time with him and became quite attached. When I finally had to leave, I turned around one more time to look at the building that housed him and saw he had got up on his hind legs and was looking out the window at me. His expression was so strikingly human in that moment and I saw in his eyes something universal and profoundly expressive. Photographed by: Julia Cumes
Editor’s Note:
Julia, Breathtaking and poignant photograph. Your backstory enriches the information and is heart rending – if that is the right word. Thank you, Robin Schwartz
Julia’s photo received over 1,250, the most “I heart it” symbol in the National Geographic assingment “The Animals We Love.” Congratulations, Julia.
Reflections 
Sadness is universal.
For all sentient beings.
What a beautiful photo. Those eyes, those eyes…
Oh yes, those eyes and a great memory, too.
So moving… Thank you, Seeker!
Thank you to the NatGeo photographer.
wonderful story
Thank you, David.
Right to the heart, that face. I love love love elephants. ❤
❤ ❤ ❤ Julia the photographer hit us right through our heart with this story.
Thank you for this.
Lets thank Julia the photographer of NatGeo. Just spreading her good work.
Beautiful!
Oh so moving!
Isn’t it, huh? Thank you, Cindy.
Wonderful thank you – Elephants are incredible and the more I learn about them the more fascinating I find their depth of emotion and reasoning.
You are most welcome. They are incredible creature and I am thankful that Julia was there to help this little one.