The Old Man and the MountainThis post may contain affiliate links.
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“The Old Man and the Mountain”This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
Wildlife photographer, scientist, and world record seekerGeorge Dian Balanhas long been fascinated by big tusked elephants.
The big tuskers hearken back to the woolly mammoths of epochs past, seeming to come from another time.
This has brought him to discover not one, but two World Records.
“Quintessential Millionaire”
This includes the record-breaking 3.26-meter-long (about 10.7-feet-long) tusks on display at the Riga Zoo.
Quintessential Millionaire
Where does your love of animals stem from?
I’ve been fascinated with wildlife ever since I can remember myself.
“The River of Giants”
The ones that I cherished the most were the wildlife books, so they bought me more of those.
My family wanted me to learn foreign languages and to keep me busy reading books.
The River of Giants
Asian Jade Reflections
What is it about elephants specifically that fascinates you?
“Asian Jade Reflections”
Being in the commanding presence of these giants of today feels for me like traveling back in time.
Photography can be a very powerful tool.
World Record Raja Reflections
Can you share the story of how you found the World Record-breaking Asian elephant tusks?
“Great Tusker Coconut Mandala”
I have the biggest database in the world regarding big tusked Asian and African elephants.
He passed away in 2013.
While I received partial measurements, I was not granted the permission to personally examine the specimen.
“The Time of Mammoths is Now”
After a change in the management of the Riga Zoo, I re-submitted my request in 2022.
Amongst them is the magnificent Manissery Rajendran.
His left tusk has a staggering circumference of 58 centimeters [22.83 inches] at the lip.
“World Record Raja Reflections”
This is the second new World Record that I discovered.
My work in preserving these monuments of natural history has several dimensions.
First, visually documenting these giants as it has not been done before.
“World Record Raja Reflections”
Second, creating the most extensive database of its kind in the world.
Fourth, I hope to help create new sanctuaries and protected areas where big tuskers could live and reproduce.
Did you know that the longer the tusks, the healthier the elephant?
“58 cm World Record”
Sketching a Mammoth
Mammoth Sunset
What do you hope that people take away from your work?
Jacques -Yves Cousteau used to say, People protect what they love.
This is far more than any other photographer.
“Dusting Mammoth”
For instance, I am the first to photograph big tusked elephants from inside a baobab tree.
Pecking Order
What’s next for you?
I have financed my megafauna-related research and photography by having other jobs.
“Pecking Order 2”
I spent a lot of money on my trips and helping local communities.
I hope to sell limited-edition fine art prints and books to help me in these endeavors.
Related Articles:
“Window Into Africa”
“Sketching a Mammoth”
“Mammoth Sunset”
“Pecking Order”
