A wildlife photographer has captured pictures of the world’s happiest elephant family.

Andy Rouse documented a Kenyan herd with incredibly playful young calves.

The award-winning British snapper shot the small elephants playing around with branches, and appearing fascinated by the adults pooping.

Andy says, “I lead safari tours several times a year and love going to Samburu in Kenya as the elephants there are special.

A wildlife photographer has captured pictures of the world’s happiest elephant family. Andy Rouse / SWNS

Andy Rouse documented a Kenyan herd with incredibly playful young calves. Andy Rouse / SWNS

The young elephants appeared happy and playful. Andy Rouse / SWNS

“They are very, very relaxed, and because of this, the herds will let you get very close to them and will pass close to vehicles without any issues.

“I am completely relaxed with the incredible elephants of Samburu. On this occasion, we found a large breeding herd with several youngsters, less than 3 months old, who seemed very playful.

“We positioned the vehicle well ahead of them so the matriarch had time to get used to us and felt comfortable. It’s so important when you work with elephants, as I have done for all of my 25-year career, that you understand them and work within their tolerances.

The British photographer shot the small elephants playing around with branches, and appearing fascinated by the adults pooping. Andy Rouse / SWNS

“I lead safari tours several times a year and love going to Samburu in Kenya as the elephants there are special,” Rouse said. Andy Rouse / SWNS

“I am completely relaxed with the incredible elephants of Samburu. On this occasion, we found a large breeding herd with several youngsters, less than 3 months old, who seemed very playful,” he continued. Andy Rouse / SWNS

“The female and the herd settled around us, grazing. The calves took it upon themselves to create havoc, chasing birds, doing mock charges to our vehicle, and playing tug of war with branches. Their antics made us laugh out loud. Young elephants are just lovable idiots, and I so love working with them.

“One of the calves was fascinated by poo! Every time an adult went for a poo, the youngster would watch and try to sniff it! Luckily, it avoided getting pooed on!

“The thirty minutes that we spent with this herd was one of the highlights of the trip, all the more special as I had my 10-year-old daughter on her first safari. To dictate to her about the wonder of elephants, the dangers saving them, and the need to conserve them was a special thing indeed.”