Anne TootillElephant scares the life out of couple
May 13th 2008 22:37
I think I'd think twice about driving through this safari park.
When a six-ton elephant suddenly lumbered over to the Volkswagen Golf in a South African safari park, Rico Beltrame and his sister Angela feared it was going to reduce the vehicle to scrap metal - with them inside.
Coming to a halt alongside the car, it plonked its massive trunk firmly across the roof, slightly denting it.
A park ranger shouted over to Mr Beltrame to switch off his engine - which he did with a trembling hand, then the 12ft elephant just stood there, gazing down at the rented Golf as Mr Beltrame and his sister stared back, frozen with fear.
For six minutes the standoff continued, with the brother and sister expecting at any second that the roof would come crashing down on them.
But, finally, the elephant removed its trunk and calmly walked off into the undergrowth at the Hluhluwe game park in KwaZulu Natal.
"We saw a group of elephants and started taking photos," said 27-year-old Mr Beltrame, from Switzerland. "Then we saw the elephant head our way. We got very scared when he stood by us and put his trunk on the roof.
"We waited, sitting without moving, waiting, before the elephant continued walking. It was an unbelievable experience."
The reserve also has rhinos, lions, leopards, crocodiles and cheetahs – way to scary for me.
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Comment by Sara Dobson
Parents Precinct
The Travel Map
My Turn
Comment by Anne Tootill
The Female View
Funny Stuff
I'd still love to go though, but preferably with 100 bodyguards.
I'd love to know how much insurance these safari adventure people must have, anything could happen.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
This so reminded me of an experience I had in an Indian Jungle, in an equally small car *laughs* thanks for the lovely warm flood of memories this post bought!
Lilla ...
Comment by Anne Tootill
The Female View
Funny Stuff