Tourists' Terrifying Jungle Encounter
Holidaymakers on a jungle getaway in southern India experienced a heart-stopping moment when a wild elephant came thundering towards their safari vehicle, forcing a dramatic escape. The incident occurred on Friday near the Bhadra right-bank canal in Lakkavalli, Karnataka, close to the Bhadra Ranganatha Swamy temple.
The Dramatic Charge and Escape
A lone elephant suddenly lunged at the vehicle, prompting the driver to act instantly. Heart-pounding footage shows the massive animal barrelling toward the jeep as the driver frantically threw the vehicle into reverse. Thanks to the driver's quick thinking, the tourists managed to escape the situation without a single scratch.
Wildlife specialists have commented that while such direct encounters are relatively uncommon, they powerfully illustrate the untamed nature of India's protected wildlife areas. These events serve as a stark reminder that visitors are entering the domain of wild animals.
Official Safety Warnings Issued
In response to the incident, officials from the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary have reiterated crucial safety guidelines for all visitors. They strongly advise maintaining a safe distance from wild animals, avoiding sudden movements that could be perceived as threatening, and placing trust in trained guides to manage tense situations.
This alarming event comes just months after the death of Shankar, famously known as the world's loneliest elephant. The 29-year-old African elephant died at New Delhi's zoo in September after he refused to eat and subsequently collapsed. Shankar had spent at least 13 years in solitary confinement after his companion, another African elephant brought with him from Zimbabwe in 1998 as a diplomatic gift to former Indian president Shankar Dayal Sharma, died in 2001.
A former zoo official explained to the BBC that attempts were made to house Shankar with Asian elephants, but they were 'aggressive towards each other'. This resulted in Shankar's continued isolation. The official noted that Shankar's behaviour changed after the loss of his only companion, leaving him friendless for the remainder of his life.
