Traveling tail to trunk across the dry lakebeds toward Amboseli, a line of elephants crowded with mothers, aunts, sisters, and several young calves trail after their beloved matriarch. Spring in Kenya is marked by the start of the long rains, which feed into the rivers and valleys until they are flush with green once more. After years of sporadic, record-breaking drought, however, it will be some time before the lakes refill, if they fill at all. In order to cope with the unpredictable weather patterns, elephants must rely on the wisdom of the eldest female. Like her mother and grandmother before her, she knows exactly where to find water, food, and safety even in times of scarcity.