Surprise Encounter: Game Ranger’s Unanticipated Poolside Meeting with Thirsty Elephant Captured on Video

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.

Related Posts

Friesland, Netherlands Zoo Welcomes First-Time Arrival of Four Tiny 5-Day-Old Tiger Cubs (Video)

Friesland, Netherlands Four Amur tiger cubs have been born at AquaZoo Leeuwarden, marking a significant milestone as the first time the zoo has welcomed baby tigers. The…

2-Week-Old Clouded Leopard Cubs Catch Them in Action (Video)

The Nashville Zoo recently welcomed a pair of adorable newborn clouded leopard cubs, captured on camera at just 2 weeks old. The heartwarming footage, shot by Courtney…

Observing Six Cheetah Cubs Rapidly Maturing: Incredibly Fluffy and Endearing! (Video)

The recent birth of a litter of six cubs at Burger Zoo marks an extraordinary event, as only about 5% of Cheetah litters contain six cubs, with…

Heartwarming Encounters: Playful White Lion Cubs and Tiger Cubs Explore Their World Together

Get ready to witness a truly magical encounter as the paths of two extraordinary big cat species cross paths in a heartwarming meeting of white lion cubs…

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Unveils Amur Tiger Cubs to the Public (Video)

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo recently witnessed an exciting new development as the Amur tiger cubs made their much-anticipated public debut. These adorable and energetic cubs captured the…

3 White Lion Cubs, Just 2 Weeks Old, Attempt to Open Eyes and Call for Mother’s Attention for Feeding

In central Poland, the owner of a private zoo is celebrating the arrival of a rare and adorable trio of white lion cubs. Andrzej Pabich, the head…