Hlanganini

[Chris Kotze]

http://www.ckphotography.co.za/Hlanganine.jpg

Canon 40D 100-400 L 5.6
One of the few big tuskers left in the Kruger National Park and now with one and a half tusks.

I took this shot in December 2008 and sadly there were a report and photograph in March 2009 from one of the Letaba rangers that Hlanganine broke his left tusk.
I must also add we came around a corner and this guy came from the front (Like a huge MAN truck) well as you can imagine how fast I took a couple of shots and reversed very quickly to get out of his way




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[Stu Bowie]

That is one huge Ellie Chris. We see the larger guys in the herds, but this guy is enormous. I angle at which you captured this enhances the size too. Apart from being a bit tight on the right, the comp works well, and good detail captured too. Thanks for sharing.

[David Fletcher]

Looks good this size Chris. Very nice. (Touch of envy here as must have been a rush to see). Love the angle of view.

[peter delaney]

magnificent beast...well done on your hasty retreat ..I have had few myself, sure gets the heart pumping ...I am off to Mapugunbwe in a few days ..hope to get some ellie shots of them in the limpopo..

this image has whet my appetite...
thanks fro sharing
peter

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Did well for a grab shot Chris. I like the imposing size indeed - I wouldn't mess with it. Do wish for nice warm light. THanks for sharing. :)

[Kiran Khanzode]

What a rush this must have been !!! I lilke the huge tusks on this guy...very majestic and deadly.

[Ed Cordes]

This must have been outstandingly exciting!! I like the raised foot and the action depicted with the trunk swing. I might suggest darkening the distant hills and sky.

[Robert Amoruso]

Chris,

I like the look of the impending collision with you. Foot up a plus. Darkening the BG as suggest a good idea IMO. Nice work get the image and moving out of the way.

[Fabs Forns]

Excellent if a little tight, although tightness emphasizes his huge size. Sorry he's lost part of his pride :(

[Harshad Barve]

What a size man, HUGE

Huge image man, thansk for sharing
Harshad

[Jeni Williams]

A Good grab Chris - those tusks were really enormous!

[Morkel Erasmus]

great shot Chris! you were lucky to see him in all his glory. agree the angle makes it even more imposing!

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Chris,
This guy is huge. Lovely set of tusks. Sad to hear that the left one is broken. I like the composition as the angle and one spread ear accentuates its majestic size. Well done.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Chris Kotze]

Thanks so much for all the views and replies. I'm glad I could share this with you.

[Kartikeya Puri]

What a beast Chris :-) Reminds me of all the stories I have heard about a certain "Duke" in KNP. Details on the skin and the foot up in the air gives adds up to the charm of this image.