In a charming moment captured at a Thai elephant sanctuary, a young elephant enthusiastically approached a visitor for a cuddle, offering a playful interaction that delighted everyone watching The video shows a woman seated on the muddy ground when, unexpectedly, a baby elephant bounds over, eager to make her acquaintance. The audience can’t help but laugh as the calf cozily settles on her lap. A bystander comments that the woman seems to be enjoying the unusual encounter. However, the calf’s boundless energy keeps it moving around, occasionally shifting in ways that look a little uncomfortable for the woman. She smiles and strokes the baby elephant as it readjusts onto her thighs, embracing the affectionate moment. But when the calf rolls backward onto her shins, she lets out a soft “ow,” prompting a nearby person to step in and lend a hand. Unperturbed, the little elephant soon rolls f...
Surprise Visitor: Elephant Has Close Encounter with Game Ranger After Sneaking a Drink from Lodge Pool
A bold young elephant ventured into a South African game lodge, helping itself to the swimming pool and coming incredibly close to a game ranger filming the unexpected scene.
Eugene Troskie, the lodge’s wildlife manager, was relaxing on the deck when a herd of elephants arrived at the property.
Among them was a 20-year-old male elephant who decided to quench his thirst by drinking from the pool.
As Troskie began filming the moment, the elephant wandered straight toward him, seemingly unaware of his presence.
Troskie, who manages Lion Place Lodge in the Grietjie Private Game Reserve, part of Kruger National Park, remained calm as the elephant approached. The animal, focused on the fresh shoots of a nearby tree, grazed Troskie’s shoulder with its tusk.
Reflecting on the encounter, Troskie explained, “At first, I thought he had seen me, but as he came closer, it was clear he hadn’t. When I moved my phone to get a better shot, the elephant suddenly realized I was there and shied away.”
Troskie, with over a decade of experience as a game ranger, noted that the elephant was calm throughout. “It was an incredible moment,” he said. “I knew I was never in any danger. My experience has taught me how to read their behavior, and this elephant was completely relaxed.”
While Troskie enjoyed the rare encounter, he emphasized that it wasn’t something he would allow guests to do, as unpredictable reactions could lead to trouble. “This was just him and me, getting acquainted peacefully.”
The herd, consisting of about 25 elephants, often visits the waterhole near the lodge, and sometimes they drink directly from the pool, providing an unforgettable experience for guests.
Troskie mentioned a favorite photo he captured of three elephants enjoying a “lekker” drink from the pool, their trunks lined up side by side.
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He further explained that elephants behave differently when entering a lodge, as they are accustomed to human scents. “If you approach them at their waterhole, they might see you as a threat. But when they come to the lodge, they expect humans to be around.”
African elephants can stand up to 13 feet tall and weigh as much as 12,000 pounds, making encounters like these awe-inspiring yet delicate interactions.
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