Sri Lankan safari guide stops charging elephant – Sri Lankan safari guides quick thinking stops charging elephant in viral video

A video of a safari guide stopping a charging elephant with nothing but his presence of mind in Sri Lanka’s Wasgamuwa National Park has gone viral on social media.

Originally shared by Imaal Nanayakkara on Instagram, the clip showed two elephants walking in a line as a vehicle carrying tourists approached. Suddenly, one of the elephants lunged toward them. Just as panic could have set in, the guide swiftly took control of the situation, averting a potentially dangerous encounter.

Describing the moment, Imaal wrote, “Talk about an adrenaline rush! Just as this elephant decided to chase us, our guide expertly stepped in to keep everyone safe. Nature can be wild, but that’s what makes it so unforgettable.”

Watch the video here:

Since its upload, the video has been shared widely, with several users applauding the guide’s quick reaction. One user pointed out how crucial his response was, writing, “This guide did exactly what needed to be done. The elephant’s charge was sudden and way too close. There wouldn’t have been enough time to reverse.”

“In most cases, whether an animal follows through with a charge depends on how you react. This guide clearly knew how to handle a charging elephant,” the user said further.

Several users agreed that the situation proved the importance of well-trained safari guides.

See the comments here:

Wasgamuwa National Park is known for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants. It is also home to the endangered toque macaque and purple-faced langur — two monkey species found only in Sri Lanka.