In a heartwarming encounter captured through the lens, two African elephants displayed a bond that seemed like love.

The endearing scene unfolded as a Savannah elephant from Namibia and another from Botswana met at the scenic Chobe River, which flows between the two countries.

Photographer Eric Webber was fortunate enough to witness this tender moment from a boat 20 feet away.

The Namibian elephant swam to the middle of the river, using its trunk as a snorkel, while the Botswanan elephant waded in to join the play.

“We took a late afternoon boat ride on the Chobe River, mostly looking at hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Suddenly, we spotted a group of eight to ten elephants on the Botswana shore. After a while, all but one wandered off,” explained Mr. Webber.

A lone elephant from Namibia caught their attention on the other side of the river. It walked casually but deliberately to the riverbank, waded in, and began swimming across, using its trunk as a snorkel.

As the two elephants came closer to each other, they seemed to ignore the human observers. The slightly larger juvenile male from Botswana stood on the shore, lifting its trunk and sniffing the air occasionally.

Then, the heartwarming moment happened – the elephants gently entwined their trunks, a gesture comparable to a handshake, especially among younger elephants.

It was also a playful interaction as they wrapped and unwrapped their trunks, showing their affection for each other.

“The guide explained that this trunk entwining is a way for elephants to greet each other and show their friendly intentions. They seemed to enjoy the game, tugging a little but not aggressively,” said Mr. Webber.

After their endearing exchange, the two elephants strolled up the bank together and disappeared into the lush greenery.

Despite their gentle appearance, the photographer noted the importance of staying cautious around these majestic creatures, as their behavior can change swiftly, adding to the excitement of being in their presence.

The captivating photographs of this heartwarming elephant encounter remind us of the deep emotional connections these intelligent animals can form.