Hundreds of years ago, the Eastern Cape was full of elephants. By 1931, there were only 11 left. Now their numbers are expanding again, even along their long-forgotten tracks through the Karoo.

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) ...

Bystanders watch an elephant seal cornered on a street in Gordon's Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo) Author: Associated Press ...