Weather Warriors: The Storm Watcher's Tale

Sunday, 18 May 2025
Dierenmaatjes

As told by Amara, Matriarch of the Savanna

When you've lived as long as I have on these vast African plains, you learn to read the sky's stories. My grandmother taught me, just as her grandmother taught her – the sacred duty of a matriarch isn't just to lead, but to protect.

I felt it this morning – that deep rumble that humans can't hear, but we elephants know well. The storm was coming, still hundreds of miles away, but its message travelled through the earth itself, vibrating through my feet and into my bones. We elephants are blessed with the ability to detect infrasound, those deep, low-frequency rumbles that carry nature's earliest warnings.

My herd knows the drill. When I raise my trunk and trumpet the signal, even the youngest calves understand – it's time to move. But our responsibility extends beyond our own family. Over the years, I've watched smaller creatures seek shelter near us during storms. Zebras, antelopes, even birds sometimes gather close to our herd, instinctively knowing that our massive presence offers some protection against the storm's fury.

The most challenging part? Staying calm when the sky turns violent. The little ones get scared – not just our calves, but all the young ones who've sought our protection. That's when experience matters most. My low rumbles reassure them, a sound that carries even through the loudest thunder. We form a circle, young ones in the middle, creating a living fortress against the elements.My her

My herd protecting the little ones, when the storm approaches

You see, being a Storm Watcher isn't just about surviving the weather – it's about being a guardian for all who need shelter. When lightning splits the sky and thunder shakes the earth, I stand firm. My size isn't just for show; it's a responsibility. Each flash illuminates dozens of grateful eyes looking to me for protection, and I won't let them down.

Some might wonder why we don't simply run from storms. But that's not our way. We face them, using our wisdom to find the safest paths and strongest grounds. Our ancestors have weathered countless storms, passing down their knowledge through generations. Now, it's my turn to carry that torch – or rather, that lightning bolt.

So next time you hear thunder rolling across the sky, think of us – the Storm Watchers. We're out here, standing strong, keeping watch over nature's most vulnerable children. Because that's what guardians do.