A thrilling interaction with wildlife was caught on camera when a massive Indian bull elephant named Gemunu decided to examine the contents of a safari vehicle in southeast Sri Lanka, to the passengers’ surprise inside.
Visitors on the safari tour in Yala National Park received an unexpected close-up view of Gemunu, who momentarily blocked their jeep in his quest for food.
Footage of this intense encounter shows the persistent elephant standing steadfast in front of the vehicle before using his trunk to dig through a bin inside.
The gripping scene included a passenger quickly moving a child to safety as Gemunu’s massive trunk descended into the space they had just occupied.
All the elephants found, however, were plastic bottles and tissue paper. After a brief taste, he decided they weren’t edible and promptly discarded them.
The rangers swiftly drove on after Gemunu withdrew his trunk from the jeep. Another vehicle was also seen backing away to maintain a safe distance from the elephant.
The incident, captured on April 21 last year, is reportedly one of many such interactions involving the now-famed Gemunu.
His bold antics have made him a notorious character at Yala National Park, where he’s known for his cheeky encounters with tourists.
Interestingly, Gemunu used to sport two tusks but lost one following an altercation with another elephant.
Male Indian elephants, averaging nine feet in height and weighing up to five tons, usually don’t pose a threat to humans.
However, their status as an endangered species, with an estimated global population of just 20,000, makes encounters like these rare and noteworthy.
In Sri Lanka, elephants are protected by law. Anyone guilty of killing one faces the death penalty, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving these majestic creatures.
