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Watch: Elephant Smashes Car Windscreen in Kruger Park

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Author Freddie Hiney

On the 17th of October 2023, a happy onlooker driving through the wild Kruger National Park, which covers 19,485 square kilometres and is home to some of the world’s rarest and deadliest animals, including white rhinos, crocodiles, cheetahs, and African wild cats, encountered a confident elephant. 

Before shattering the car’s windscreen, as shown in the video below, the elephant initially brushed against the vehicle with the driver only inches away. Surprisingly, instead of moving away, the animal turned around, approached the car, and sat on the front, causing damage to the Volkswagen Polo’s bonnet and windscreen. Fortunately, no one was injured, but this incident serves as a clear warning about the potential dangers of such encounters.

Elephant vs Car 

Elephants and windows, a mismatch of realms. At one end of the spectrum, we have the modern marvel of human engineering – the automobile, a ubiquitous mode of transportation that we often take for granted. On average, a typical car stands at a modest height of about 4.5 to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 meters), a testament to the practicality of our mechanical creations.

At the other end stands one of the planet’s most majestic and colossal beings – the elephant. It is a living testament to nature’s grandeur, with the African elephant, the larger of the two species, reaching a remarkable height of around 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) at the shoulder. In contrast, the Asian elephant measures slightly smaller at approximately 8.2 to 9.8 feet (2.5 to 3 meters).

Elephant in the savannah, in Namibia, Africa.

Watch the Event Unfold

Elephants and Social Occasions  

Elephants are profoundly social animals, and their play frequently takes place within the context of their tight-knit family groups. These moments of merriment serve a vital role in strengthening bonds among the herd members. You might witness young elephants engaged in friendly pushing and shoving matches or the older ones engaging in more sophisticated games of tag. These interactions are not just a source of amusement but also contribute to the cohesion and harmony of the group.

Elephant walking, Serengeti, Tanzania

For many of these beautiful and courageous animals, water is an irresistible playground. They eagerly wade into rivers and ponds, reveling in the coolness and buoyancy of the water. Playful splashing, submerging, and even engaging in water fights are common occurrences. Observing these massive animals delighting in aquatic play is heartwarming and showcases their agility and grace despite their size.

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