Two lucky women experienced a remarkable close encounter with nature when a wild bull elephant unexpectedly approached their veranda as they were enjoying the sunny weather.

Seizing the opportunity, photographer Marsel van Oosten captured an unforgettable holiday snapshot.

Photographer Marsel van Oosten waits for the African bull elephant to look up before snapping the photograph, only three feet from his veranda

The extraordinary encounter occurred at Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, where Marsel and his wife, Daniella Sibbing, were staying.

As the massive African elephant cautiously approached, Daniella and lodge manager Lana De Villiers remained motionless, wary of the potential danger.

The herd come marching though the Elephant Hotel reception – as they do every year, on the hunt for food

Speaking about the thrilling moment, Dutchman Marsel said, “The camp is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by Acacia trees that these magnificent bull elephants adore feeding on.

They especially enjoy the fallen pods from these trees and are known to shake the branches to release more pods.

In this instance, the elephant was picking up pods scattered around the camp and slowly made its way towards the veranda.”

An African elephant wanders through the Elephant Hotel in Zambia, as a herd do every October, as it’s a traditional route

What made this experience exceptional was that the elephant itself decided to approach the people, showing their curiosity and, at the same time, making it a slightly nerve-wracking encounter.

Marsel emphasized the importance of remembering that wild animal, including elephants, can be potentially dangerous, and never attempting to get too close to them is crucial.

Marsel recounted how the exciting photo opportunity unfolded, “I was rearranging my camera bag and cleaning my gear, as it can get quite dusty at times.

The inside of the venue forms part of a traditional trail used by an elephant family for several years

When I saw the elephants approaching, I initially didn’t think much of a photo opportunity due to the harsh lighting.

However, as this particular elephant got closer and closer, I quickly grabbed my camera and positioned myself behind the women, hoping to capture the elephant within the frame.

When the elephant was merely a meter away, it looked up to assess the situation, and that’s when I captured this incredible shot.”

Interestingly, another lodge, the Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, also witnesses regular visits from elephants. The lodge was inadvertently constructed along a traditional trail used by an elephant family for several years.

During the ripe mango season in October, up to ten colossal African elephants stroll through the lodge’s reception area on their way to their beloved mango trees within the hotel compound. Despite the human presence, the elephants treat the building like any other part of their natural path.

These awe-inspiring encounters highlight the magnificence of wildlife in their natural habitats and remind us of the importance of respecting and observing their space with caution and admiration.

Canidae Pet Food Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Choosing the right pet food is crucial for the health and well-being of our furry friends. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into Canidae pet food, a popular choice among pet owners, and provide an in-depth review based on various sources.

Canidae is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, offering a range of products designed to cater to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Product Range:

Canidae All-Life Stages (Dry): This vet-formulated product suits dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It's available in both dry and wet formulas.
Canidae Pure: A limited-ingredient diet crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Each recipe typically includes 7 to 10 ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula, which represents the brand's product line, contains ingredients like chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, and barley. Chicken meal, the primary ingredient, is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Recalls and Safety

Canidae has had recalls in the past. It's essential to stay updated with the brand's recall history to ensure your pet's safety.

Customer Reviews

The Canidae Dog Food product line has earned an overall rating of 4.5 stars from The Dog Food Advisor. The Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food has received the Advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: High protein content, suitable for all life stages, contains beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and taurine.
Cons: It contains some controversial ingredients, and not all minerals are chelated, which might affect absorption.

Conclusion

Canidae All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses a notable amount of named meat meals as its primary source of animal protein. With an above-average protein content and a profile suggesting a significant amount of meat, it comes highly recommended for pet owners.