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I notice the car in this case being a VW but I don't know the circumstances.

All I do know is that the cooling fan of VWs very often agitate animals as they often keep running for a while after the engine is switched off. This is also true for several other makes but VW cooling fans seems to be louder than others. As a matter of fact, I have had several experiences where a quiet peaceful encounter was destroyed by the distant approach of a blearing VW cooling fan.
[ Yes, these cooling fans are also noisy while driving.]

Another thing, if you wish to to take action photos, follow a Isuzu diesel and you are certain to see some irate elephant cow harassing the Isuzu - for some reason the sound of a Isuzu diesel seem to bring out the elephant temper.

I have nothing against these vehicles as such, I just get irate when they disrupt my pleasant encounter with game.

[ Actually, ALL diesel engines are less game viewing friendly than petrol engines - this is very unfortunate as I actually prefer diesels to petrol but my photography interests forces me to use petrol engined vehicles.]

Forestgump, I agree with you, read the elephant's mood carefully and you will KNOW when to keep a bigger distance, problem is just that the learning of elephant behavior I cannot put to text - so the rule of thumb should be "Keep your distance".

Thanks for the advice, 100Ponder. Now I'll be able to get better action pics.

Here are some evidence why you should always respect elephants. This mighty bull was walking down the road and approached Riaan van Wyk's car. He started reversing and another couple decided to pass him and stopped next to the elephant.

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http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/O ... k-20110218

With reference to Wildheart's description of events - YOU NEVER APPROACH AN
ELEPHANT UP CLOSE !

He is bigger than you and you are infringing into his world and comfort zone.

If the driver of the Passat overtook a vehicle already on the retreat and then stopped up close his cooling fan was running in all likeliness and - that is two ingredients to flare up the elephant's temper.

Also, photo one of the sequence show what look like cars trailing the elephant, so it is possible that he was already irritated before the Passat entered the scenario.

I suspect the Passat driver was unaware of what was happening as well as unaware of what his actions will elicit from the elephant - so I repeat my rule of thumb mentioned in my previous contribution - "KEEP YOUR DISTANCE" and I want to add "Never drive yourself into a corner" as I believe that according to the news paper article the Passat got himself into "ditch" as can be seen on the photos making escape more difficult.

Just for viewers who may see these pics and get excessively nervous:

Don't panic and cancel trips etc.

It must be stressed that such incidents are incredibly rare, considering the amount of tourist vehicles interacting with elephants daily in Africa, and as 100ponder says, a set of circumstances will lead to such an episode, coupled with plain bad luck!

However, obviously one must not push the envelope, and caution and common sense are advised!

another case of a car needing a valet

That elephant roughing-up the car has a tail broken off short !

Now how on earth does an elephant break its tail off ?

By being attacked by predators at a young age!?

some hyena had a tall tale to share

Had some lovely sightings near Shingwedzi and Letaba in December



This bull was leaning against the tree in midday heat



[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

This pic by Debbie Noome, Letaba Bridge April, off the public sightings gallery...

Any ideas?

Playing or maybe just taking the load off. They look like youngsters.

For years thought that elephants only sleep while leaning against trees, true but that's not the only way. They can sleep while lying down as well, confirmed by ranger as well.


Sleeping ellie by twigga2011

Excuse the poor image quality,seen from Nkumbe lookout zoomed in on max, payed a visit the next day and ellie was gone. Photos by Debbie Noome also support this resting theory.

Check this out! Unbelievable!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildli ... odile.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very interesting photo Twigga. The only time I have seen an adult elephant lying down is when they are in a mud pool and they are not down for long.