A group of students on a safari at Selati Game Reserve experienced an unforgettable encounter when a bull elephant charged their vehicle. Tearing through the vehicle, the passengers were forced to escape and run to safety toward the second vehicle.
Unexpected Encounter
What started as a routine activity for a group of EcoTraining instructors and trainees quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. The two vehicles stopped to observe a breeding herd of elephants, giving them time to settle down. That’s when a bull elephant came out of nowhere.
Bull Elephant Mock Charges
The enraged bull elephant mock charged the front vehicle, storming from behind the trees toward the left of the front vehicle. It stopped only a few yards away from the vehicle, flapping its ears, trumpeting loudly, and throwing its trunk in frustration. The elephant’s sudden aggression caught everyone off guard.
Driver’s Reaction
Trained to handle these situations, the instructor driving the vehicle made sure to hold its ground. The safari guide quickly assessed the situation and tried to calm the students. It was when the vehicle slowly moved forward that things took a turn for the worst.
A Second Mock Charge
Kicking its feet, flinging its trunk, and flattening its ears, the bull elephant went for a second mock charge. The situation rapidly escalated as the elephant got closer, only a few feet away from the vehicle. The students could feel the ground shaking beneath them.
Vehicle Rammed
The bull elephant rammed the safari vehicle with full force. Using its powerful trunk and tusks, the bull elephant lifted the vehicle, rotating it a complete 180 degrees. The screams of the students and the shaking of the footage highlight the chaos and fear experienced by the passengers at that moment.
Students Scramble to Safety
As the elephant made contact with the vehicle, panic set in. The students scrambled to get out of the vehicle, while some stayed behind, too shocked to move. One particular passenger closest to the bull elephant was thrown out of the vehicle, landing on his feet and running toward the second vehicle.
Guide’s Heroic Effort
In a brave move, a guide from the second vehicle jumped out and rushed to help the trainees out of smashed vehicle and out of the elephant’s destructive path. In the video, you can hear another instructor inside the second vehicle yelling, “Get out! Get out! Get out!” calling for the scrambling student to rush to safety in the second vehicle.
Escape to Safety
Thankfully, all the passengers of the destroyed vehicle made it safely to the second vehicle. The bull elephant retreated back to the breeding herd, while the shaken group of students and instructors were taken back to a nearby lodge to recover.
Multiple Perspectives
The entire encounter was captured on camera from two perspectives. One passenger managed to film the elephant’s enraged charge from within the targeted vehicle, giving viewers a front-seat view of the frightening ordeal. Another instructor from the second vehicle captured the experience from a more zoomed-out perspective, sharing a clear view of the encounter and the following aftermath.
Vehicle Damage
The instructors made a note to film the extent of the damage to the vehicle, highlighting the brute strength of a 6-ton, 13-foot tall bull elephant and the destruction they’re capable of when angry. The video shows the exterior of the vehicle completely ripped apart, the door smashed in and the interior of the left side of the car torn to pieces. If this bull elephant could do this to a vehicle, imagine what it could do to a human.
Trainees’ Recovery
Thankfully, all trainees and instructors escaped the ordeal unharmed and without injuries. However, a traumatizing event like this can still have a lasting harmful impact. All the people involved in the incident have since received professional counseling in order to process the horrifying experience.
Guides’ Experience
The guides’ quick thinking was crucial to the successful escape from the charging bull elephant. Both instructors accompanying the trainees on the routine activity had 25 years of experience in the field. This experience was essential to ensure the situation didn’t escalate further, putting the trainees at risk.
Calling an Elephant’s Bluff
A mock charge is a common behavior in elephants where they pretend to attack to scare off potential threats. During a mock charge, an elephant will spread its ears wide, raise its trunk, and sometimes kick up dust. Standing your ground can signal to the elephant that you are not a threat.
An Elephant in Musth
This bull elephant was identified to be in musth, which happens when they are ready to breed, explaining why the bull was found with the breeding herd. When in musth, bull elephants are extremely aggressive with 60 times the normal level of testosterone. This occurs during mating season which last around 2 to 3 months during the year.
Breeding Herd Behaviours
Breeding herds, like the one the group encountered, is typically composed of females and their young. These herds are matriarchal, led by the oldest and most experienced female, who guides the group and makes crucial decisions. The bonds within the herd are strong, with females often seen cooperating in raising calves and protecting the young from threats.
A Charging Elephant
If faced with a charging elephant, it’s crucial to remain as calm as possible and avoid sudden movements. Try to determine if the charge is a mock charge or a genuine attack; if it appears to be a real charge, seek immediate cover behind a large object or tree. Always respect elephant space and avoid getting too close to prevent provoking an attack.
Who Is EcoTraining?
The group involved in the incident was part of EcoTraining—a leader in safari and wildlife guide training in Africa since 1993. Known for its high standards and credibility, EcoTraining offers a range of accredited career courses, nature programs, and specialized training. Their unfenced bush camps in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya provide immersive learning experiences in pristine wilderness areas.
Selati Game Reserve
The incident occurred in Selati Game Reserve, located near Hoedspruit on the edge of Kruger Park in South Africa. Selati Game Reserve covers 18,000 acres and is home to 135 elephants as well as black and white rhinos and lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The reserve continues to be a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors’ Caution
The incident served as a reminder for visitors to always heed safety instructions during safaris. Respecting the natural behavior of wild animals is crucial for everyone’s safety. Awareness and caution are key to enjoying such adventures safely.
Elephant Conservation
Elephant conservation is crucial for protecting these magnificent animals and their habitats. Efforts include anti-poaching initiatives, habitat preservation, and community education to reduce human-wildlife conflict. By supporting conservation programs, we can help ensure the survival of elephants for future generations.
The Video
Conclusion
The elephant attack at Selati Game Reserve was a dramatic reminder of the unpredictability of nature. Thanks to the instructors’ quick actions, all trainees got away unscathed. This event highlights the importance of preparedness and respect when encountering wildlife.
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