The Underground Elephants of Mount Elgon

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The Underground Elephants of Mount Elgon are a fascinating phenomenon found in the caves of this volcanic mountain on the Kenya-Uganda border.

Unlike most elephants, these ones venture deep into caves like Kitum to scrape salt from the walls with their tusks. The salt is a vital nutrient missing from their usual diet, and their underground adventures showcase just how adaptable and resourceful they are.

Watching these elephants mine for minerals is both rare and remarkable, though not without challenges.

The caves are dark, narrow, and unstable, making it tricky for researchers to study them. But their unique behavior offers a glimpse into how animals can survive in unusual environments.

Explore more:

• Elephant Cave - The Salt-mining Elephants of Elgon (BBC film)

• The Elephants of Mount Elgon (article)