This video was filmed by Kevin van der Linde and sent to Latest Sightings by Eswe Ras, the person seated on the tracker seat. The interaction happened in the Balule Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
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Tracking Duty
Eswe told Latest Sightings that, as a qualified guide, he would do tracking duties on game drives. On this occasion, shortly after leaving camp, they stopped to view a group of elephant bulls.
He said they pulled up about 30 metres from the group, giving them ample space. Little did he realise that the observers would soon become the observed.
In Heaven
Then, said Eswe, “They gradually started moving closer to us. This is when Ezulwini (the elephant bull) approached the vehicle.”
Eswe said the elephant bull, known for his gentle nature, proudly sported a lovely pair of tusks. In fact, his name means “In heaven”, suggesting tranquillity and peace.
Exposed
With another elephant browsing peacefully nearby, Ezulwini continued his approach, while Eswe sat exposed on the tracker seat.
Elephants are the world’s biggest land mammals. Mature bulls, like Ezulwini, stand nearly 4 metres (13 ft). And, weighing in at up to 6 tons, they outweigh safari vehicles by a considerable margin.
That said, despite being members of the Big 5 (the most dangerous African animals to hunt), they are highly intelligent and mostly peaceful creatures.
Motionless
As Eswe sat motionless, the bull got ever closer. With each approaching step, Eswe seemed to shrink in comparison.
Soon enough, Eswe would have been able to count each wrinkle on the elephant’s trunk.
Benign Intentions
Thankfully, by its behaviour and body language, it was apparent that the elephant meant no harm. Instead, he was intent on sampling a small bush in front of the vehicle.
Most agree that habituated wildlife generally don’t perceive safari vehicles as a threat. However, guides always caution passengers not to stand or move too much, as this might identify them as human, and therefore a potential threat.
We can assume, therefore, that as Eswe sat motionless, the bull saw him as part of the vehicle.
Just Making Sure
However, as the bull got even closer, he did seem to focus his attention on Eswe. Elephants have fairly poor eyesight, but Ezulwini seemed to be examining Eswe.
Leaving the bush he’d been grazing, Ezulwini flared his ears slightly and approached for a closer look.
So close in fact, that Eswe said that for a brief moment, the bull curled its trunk around his ankle, sniffing him.
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Passed Inspection
With that, it appears that Eswe had passed inspection. Having decided that the tiny human posed no threat, the beautiful giant ambled past the still frozen form of Eswe.
Eswe recalled, “It was certainly quite intimidating having such a huge animal so close to [me] and touching [me], but I never felt that I was in any danger.
He continued, “The feeling I think would best be described as complete awe and definitely an adrenaline rush.”
Do Not Try This At Home
Although the incident ended as peacefully as it began, we urge readers to always approach or view wild animals with the utmost caution. Do not try to recreate this experience!
In this case, both Eswe and Kevin are qualified professionals, presumably well-versed in animal behaviour.
That said, even habituated wildlife can behave unpredictably and should be treated with respect, especially by the layperson.
When visiting wildlife areas, always familiarise yourself with safety protocols, obey the rules, and follow the instructions of guides and other personnel.
It’s not only your well-being that’s at stake, but that of other guests, staff, and the animals themselves.