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New Delhi: A terrifying video capturing the moment an elephant lifted a safari truck filled with tourists has surfaced from South Africa's Pilanesberg National Park. The incident, which occurred on Monday, sent shockwaves as tourists inside the 22-seater truck found themselves ducking between seats for safety.
According to reports by ABC News, the elephant approached the truck multiple times, causing panic among the occupants. In the footage, the driver is heard urging the elephant to leave while trying to scare it away by hitting the side of the truck. Eventually, the elephant moved away from the vehicle, leaving behind a group of shaken tourists.
An elephant attacks a tourist truck in South Africa 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BX8typkcUq
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Hendry Blom, who captured the ordeal on video, expressed the fear felt by onlookers. "We were definitely scared, especially for the people in the truck because we thought they might die," Blom shared with ABC News. Another video from inside the truck depicts frightened tourists seeking refuge on the floor.
Poncho Mogodiri, the field operations manager of Mankwe Game Trackers, the tour company involved, shed light on the circumstances. He mentioned that the tourists were observing animals from a hide when the bull elephant approached. The close proximity of the truck, driven by tourists' desire to capture pictures, led to the aggressive behavior of the elephant.
The commendable handling of the situation by the tour guide has garnered praise from wildlife experts. Ron Magill, communications director at Zoo Miami, emphasized the importance of standing ground and making noise when faced with a charging elephant. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although one family received counseling due to extreme distress caused by the incident.
While safari adventures offer thrilling encounters with wildlife, it's crucial to prioritize safety and respect animals' boundaries. The Pilanesberg National Park incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the need for responsible tourism practices.
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