A safari guide on a game drive recently showed impressive composure when faced with a close encounter with a massive elephant.
His calm demeanor while a large elephant curiously examined him with its trunk became an unforgettable lesson in handling wildlife.
Captured on video by a guest at the Toro Yaka Bush Lodge in Kruger Park, South Africa, the footage reveals the guide sitting motionless in the observation chair at the front of an open-top vehicle. In the clip, which lasts about three minutes, three elephants are seen grazing nearby.
Initially, one of the elephants crosses the road, but a second elephant soon shifts its attention to the vehicle, loaded with quiet, awestruck tourists.
The elephant then approaches the guide, gently touching him with its trunk and nudging his leg.
Remarkably, the guide remains composed, not flinching as the elephant lifts its trunk above his head and gazes at him intently.
As the animal briefly focuses on the group of tourists, it edges closer, placing its tusk on the guide’s leg before reaching toward the camera with its trunk. Excited whispers of “oh my god” from the guests capture the moment’s intensity.
The video originally shared on YouTube in 2013, concludes as the elephant walks past the vehicle and rejoins its herd after pushing through nearby bushes.
This memorable encounter illustrates the skill and courage often required from guides who regularly interact with wild animals in their natural habitat.
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