These elephants will never forget their family moments thanks to photographer's Family Affairs project

By KATIE SILVER

Female Asian elephant calf Ongard nuzzling her mother, Kulab. 'Just as they do in the wild - these Asian elephants have a matriarchal co-existence,' the photographer said

They say an elephant never forgets and thanks to these photos of one family's tender moments neither will we.
A photographer has captured a magical moment where this family of gentle giants is briefly reunited by staff at Melbourne Zoo.
In one comical shot male youngster Ongard interrupted ‘mummy and daddy time’ by pushing between his father, Bong Su, and mother, Kulab, while they were attempting to mate.

Young elephant Mali (left) nuzzling her mother, Dokkoon (right). Australian photographer, Arthur Xanthopoulos took the heart-warming pictures

Australian photographer, Arthur Xanthopoulos took the heart-warming pictures while visiting his local elephant enclosure.
‘Just as they do in the wild - these Asian elephants have a matriarchal co-existence,’ explained Arthur.
‘This is also evident at Melbourne zoo where Mek Kapah is the matriarch ensuring things don't get out of hand.
‘As a result Bong Su is kept away from the females in his own enclosure and is allowed to occasionally interact with the herd for breeding purposes.’

Bull Asian elephant, Bong-Su (centre) with two of his females, matriarch, Num-Oi (left) and Kulan (right). Proud 37-year-old father Bong Su carefully manages his relationships with the four females he must breed with before he is sent home to Thailand

‘Both Mali and Ongard learn by mimicking their parents.’
Arthur's pictures show how proud 37-year-old father, Bong Su was lucky enough to join in with the rearing of his daughters.
‘Witnessing the family group interact is quite a spectacle, especially with the two young calves which are always entertaining and playful,’ said Arthur.

Cute one-year-old Asian elephants Mali and Ongard (pictured) play fight each other one moment and nuzzle their parents the next, in a display of touching affection akin to that of human families

‘Usually the calves are like any other toddler running around and playing and so pay no attention to visitors.’
Asian elephants live in the wild in South Asian countries such as India and Bangladesh, as well as South East Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia.
There are thought to be only 50,000 left in the wild and their population is in decline.
Arthur's mission in taking these intimate portraits is to raise awareness for the plight of these charismatic beasts.

Young elephant, Mali, plays in the water. Asian elephants live in the wild in some South Asian countries and South East Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia. There are thought to be only 50,000 left in the wild and their population is in decline.

source: dailymail