Elephant herd provides ‘magic moment’ with close encounter

Video footage shows the herd passing by the safari vehicle at the Amakhala Game Reserve with some coming within an arm’s reach of tourists.

On a visit to the Amakhala Game Reserve, it is possible to view any of the “Big 5” of Africa, also known as a lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo.

And if you’re lucky, you might have a “magic moment” provided by a herd of elephants, as conservationist Grant Fowlds enjoyed recently on safari. Fowlds posted video of the close encounter on Instagram. The elephants got to within an arm’s length of tourists.

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A post shared by Grant Fowlds (@grant.fowlds)

“Magic moment in the wild and why we try to protect these magnificent animals,” Fowlds wrote on the post.

Fowlds has a passion for preserving wildlife, as evidenced by his website, where he states:

“From a very young age, I lived and played in the African bush, enjoying the natural wonders provided by nature. My passion for nature in later life has forged a career in preserving wildlife, teaching our youth in the abundant wealth of nature and conserving a vanishing way of Life.

“For over a decade I have been involved in a private park restoration in Southern Africa and recently started consulting in West Africa. My knowledge and passion has been conveyed to thousands of youth in schools through community conservation awareness.”

Among the hats Fowlds wears: Ambassador and fundraiser for Project Rhino, a speaker, Community Conservation Educator, social entrepreneur, Marketing of Amakhala Game Reserve, and author.

Elephant seems to thank motorist after herd safely crosses road

The footage supports the popular belief that elephants are intelligent, thoughtful creatures.

Historical vids has shared footage of a large elephant herd crossing a rain-soaked road and one of pachyderms exhibiting what appears to be a gesture of appreciation after a safe crossing.

Historical vids, which provides daily “education through memes,” did not provide video credit or a date and location of the crossing. (See the clip below.)

But the footage helps supports the popular belief that elephants are intelligent, thoughtful creatures.

The gesture – a pause after all elephants had crossed, a gaze toward the driver and a nod  – occurs at the end of the clip.