A playful elephant recently made a splash at a game lodge in South Africa, turning a routine day into an unforgettable encounter for wildlife manager Eugene Troskie. Relaxing on the deck of Lion Place Lodge within the Grietjie Private Game Reserve, Troskie witnessed a herd of elephants approaching.

Among them was a young male elephant, estimated to be around 20 years old, who decided to quench its thirst in the lodge’s swimming pool. Capturing the astonishing moment on his phone, Troskie recorded the juvenile elephant using its trunk to drink from the pool.

Unexpectedly, the elephant approached Troskie, seemingly unaware of his presence, and leaned against a tree to feed on fresh shoots.

The wildlife manager remained calm, drawing on his ten years of experience to avoid startling the magnificent creature. The elephant even rested its tusk briefly on Troskie’s shoulder.

Located near Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province, Lion Place Lodge is home to the “Big 5” of African wildlife: elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.

The 2,800-hectare savannah reserve frequently sees herds of elephants visiting a nearby waterhole, and some occasionally venture into the lodge area for a drink from the pool, much to the delight of guests.

Reflecting on the extraordinary experience, Troskie shared, “It was the most incredible of encounters to have a wild elephant, unaware of your presence, rest his tusk on you. But I knew I was never in any danger from the animal.”

This unique interaction exemplifies the harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in the Grietjie Private Game Reserve, where the animals are not surprised by human presence within the lodge area.

Troskie also captured another moment with a trio of tuskers enjoying a drink of water at his lodge, adding to the richness of encounters in this wildlife haven.