What is Phuket known for?

Thailand's most famous island, Phuket combines lush tropical nature with a vibrant tourism scene. Beyond beaches like Patong and Kata Noi, the island is home to elephant sanctuaries where Asian elephants like the one shown in this photo receive more species-appropriate care. Phuket is a sought-after location for authentic wildlife and nature photography across Southeast Asia.

Asian elephant eye and trunk eating sugarcane

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more

Why do Asian elephants eat sugarcane so frequently?

Asian elephants are herbivores with extremely high energy needs, consuming up to 150 kg of food per day. Sugarcane is calorie-dense and easy to digest, making it a popular supplemental feed in sanctuaries and rescue centers. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of grasses, bark, and fruit. The trunk, containing around 40,000 muscles, acts as a highly versatile grasping organ.

How can this photo be used?

This stock photo is available under a commercial license and is well suited, for example, for campaigns by conservation organizations, NGO communications on species protection, or editorial content about elephant keeping in Southeast Asia. With a resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels, it also works for large-format print, exhibitions, or high-resolution digital applications such as websites, magazines, and social media.

What mood does this photo convey?

The dark eye, deeply set within folds of skin, conveys a quiet presence and dignity. The grey-brown texture of the skin dominates the frame, creating a factual, almost documentary atmosphere. The sugarcane held in the curled trunk introduces a natural, calm everyday moment that brings the viewer close to the animal without artifice.

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

The extreme sharpness in this portrait, every skin fold, every bristle around the eye, was captured with the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1) and the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens. The Alpha 1 shoots at 50.1 megapixels; this image measures 8640 x 5760 pixels, making large-format print output entirely feasible. The GM II lens delivers precise separation between sharp and blurred areas at wide aperture, isolating the elephant's eye cleanly from the background.

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Close-up shots of animal eyes and skin textures address a growing visual demand for authentic, unstaged wildlife photography. In the context of the global debate around ethical animal tourism and elephant conservation in Asia, such images gain documentary relevance. Brands and organizations building credibility in sustainability and conservation narratives increasingly turn to this type of intimate wildlife imagery.

View more stock media

Aerial view of Isla Choventún in Chuburná

4032

2268

Reflection of Berlin TV Tower in glass facade

3359

5010

Close-up of fresh green leaves with swirl effect

8640

5760

Scattered ice shards on frozen lake surface

5444

3649

Great blue heron perched by the water

8640

5760

Scenic view of Joshua trees in desert landscape

5884

3923

People enjoying the beach on Holbox Island

8640

5760

Aerial view of Flamingo Beach on Kos Island

4032

2268

Sandy path leading to Ko Nui island

8640

5760

Great egret perched on a boat in Holbox Island

8640

5760

Vibrant pink oleander flowers in natural setting

5760

8640

Abstract forest with motion blur effect

8640

5760

Aerial view of seals resting on a beach

4921

3278

Time-lapse of floral arrangement wilting

3240

2160

Professional camera lens with reflections on glass surface

5760

8640

Frost-covered grass in winter landscape

8640

5760

Romantic proposal on Holbox Island pier at sunset

3680

2070

Starry night over Weinberg Mühlensee wooden footbridge

8532

5688

Clear water ripples over sandy beach texture

8640

5760

Solar-powered traffic light on tropical street

8640

5760

Snow-covered traffic sign in urban setting

3649

5444

Silhouette of person overlooking coastal city at night

3872

2592

Vibrant red tropical plant with delicate flowers

5760

8640

Beach loungers and umbrellas on sandy shore

8640

5760

Go to stock collection

Cart

Your cart is empty.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Asian elephant eye and trunk eating sugarcane

Select your license:

Why do Asian elephants eat sugarcane so frequently?

How can this photo be used?

What mood does this photo convey?

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Ornate facade of Wat Kanan temple in Phuket

Elephant trunk holding sugarcane on dirt ground

Close-up of elephant skin texture

Aerial view of Isla Choventún in Chuburná

Reflection of Berlin TV Tower in glass facade

Close-up of fresh green leaves with swirl effect

Scattered ice shards on frozen lake surface

Great blue heron perched by the water

Scenic view of Joshua trees in desert landscape

People enjoying the beach on Holbox Island

Aerial view of Flamingo Beach on Kos Island

Sandy path leading to Ko Nui island

Great egret perched on a boat in Holbox Island

Vibrant pink oleander flowers in natural setting

Abstract forest with motion blur effect

Aerial view of seals resting on a beach

Time-lapse of floral arrangement wilting

Professional camera lens with reflections on glass surface

Frost-covered grass in winter landscape

Romantic proposal on Holbox Island pier at sunset

Starry night over Weinberg Mühlensee wooden footbridge

Clear water ripples over sandy beach texture

Solar-powered traffic light on tropical street

Snow-covered traffic sign in urban setting

Silhouette of person overlooking coastal city at night

Vibrant red tropical plant with delicate flowers

Beach loungers and umbrellas on sandy shore

50% discount for agency clients, forever.

Cart

Cookie settings

Select your license:

50% discount for agency clients, forever.