Family of tourists encounter charging baby elephant
A family visiting the Kruger National Park encountered a cute baby elephant trying to show off its might and strength by charging at them.
Wildlife parks will tell you that entering their conservation areas carries many risks. While it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most incredible animals up close and personal, it also poses some dangers to tourists.
Some tourists travel in their vehicles. This might offer comfort, but it can also be daunting and could cause the wildlife to act aggressively. The saying, 'It's a jungle out there', says it perfectly.
If you look at an elephant incorrectly, you could be charged, which is no joke. Animals such as elephants display mock and real charges when threatened.
Kenya Wild Parks described it as follows: "Elephants, despite their strength and massive size, are intelligent creatures that understand the risks associated with direct confrontation. A fight—even with a much smaller opponent—can result in injury or long-term consequences. As such, mock charges are a way of asserting control while still maintaining a buffer of safety."
A family of tourists driving around the Kruger National Park was lucky to see a herd of elephants. The herd was on the side of the roadway, and as they slowed down to observe them, a baby elephant came charging at them, only to trip over its feet and tumble in front of the car.
The baby elephant looked like he was trying to do the honourable thing and protect his family by intimidating the tourists, but things went sideways when his feet let him down.
These beautiful creatures charge at tourists for many reasons, one of which is that they can't tell the difference between a human who is trying to cause them harm and one who isn't.
"For elephants, a mock charge is a calculated move. Elephants gauge how that threat responds by fanning out their ears, throwing up dust, trumpeting, and even running short distances toward a perceived threat. If the intruder runs or reacts with fear, the elephant’s bluff may escalate or be reinforced. But if the “target” stands its ground, the elephant may be thrown off, confused by this unexpected response, and may back down without further aggression," says Kenya Wild Parks.
Watch the video below, courtesy of Instagram.
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Image Courtesy of Instagram