People often ask the hypothetical question, “In a battle between A and B, who would win?” In this video, the answer is beyond dispute.
John Fabiano sent this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Dogs on the go
John’s video begins by showing one of Africa’s most endangered predators: African wild dogs. As is often the case, they are on the run. But why?
With fewer than 6,000 of these gorgeous animals left in the wild, John is already fortunate to see them. The Greater Kruger National Park is one of their few strongholds and is home to about 500 individuals.
Running to or from?
The pack consists of about twenty dogs and is capable of taking down prey as large as Cape buffalo. However, because of their relatively small size, they rely on incredible stamina to exhaust their prey, rather than brute strength.
However, as some of them are seen looking behind them, we realise that it is not they who are doing the chasing. Instead, something is chasing them.
Pursuers identified
Subsequently, the camera pans hard to the right. As it does, we see other dogs scattered across the terrain.
Finally, as a loud trumpet blasts across the landscape, we get the only clue we’ll need to identify the dogs’ pursuers.
Stampede
Following the trumpet blast, the camera settles on an irate elephant cow in hot pursuit. We can tell it is a female by the angular shape of her forehead. Bulls have a more rounded forehead, by comparison.
Like wild dogs, elephants are highly social creatures that rely on teamwork to keep their families safe. Their society is matriarchal, so it’s safe to assume that the lead elephant is the dominant cow in the herd.
Leading by example
She leads by example, ready to put her life on the line when danger threatens. Consequently, it comes as no surprise when we find out she is not alone.
Not far behind the matriarch, a calf and a teenager, possibly her offspring, join the charge.
It is worth pointing out that wild dogs do not pose a threat to healthy elephants. That said, their aggressive behaviour probably stems from an abundance of caution.
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Widespread rout
As the camera continues to sweep across the scene, we see that the bulk of the herd has veered down the slope. Even as the dogs split up, the elephants swept in to make sure they all got the message that they are not welcome.
Additionally, we note that there are several small calves in their ranks, adding further context to their aggressive behaviour.
Most likely outcome
Unfortunately, the video ends a short while later, so we cannot confirm the outcome. However, given that the wild dogs are both faster and fitter than elephants, it seems most likely they would have escaped unscathed.
As for the elephants, their behaviour was meant to intimidate the dogs, which they no doubt succeeded in doing. Overall, the incident was a case of the dogs being in the wrong place at the wrong time.