Having a meal in the company of elephants is not an everyday occurrence for most of us. However, in the Mfuwe province of Zambia, this unique experience is more common than one might imagine. The elephant population in Zambia is estimated to be between 3,000 to 4,000, making interactions with these gentle giants a not-so-unusual sight. The video featured above showcases a moment at a resort in Mfuwe situated along the South Luangwa River, a popular migratory route for elephants. Remarkably, at the Mfuwe Lodge, which is not far from where this video was filmed, it is quite normal for elephants to wander through the lobby between the months of October and December.
Encountering Elephants
When encountering elephants in the wild, it is crucial to have a professional guide or expert with you. The individuals in the video displayed the correct behavior when approached by the elephants – they remained still and did not make any sudden movements. Elephants value their personal space and do not take kindly to intrusions, although they are not hesitant about exploring human spaces, as depicted in the video. These majestic creatures are highly sensitive, and any abrupt actions or loud noises can easily startle them. Therefore, it is essential to approach elephants slowly and quietly to prevent causing them any distress. In the video, the tourists exemplified this by staying calm and motionless, allowing the elephants to investigate the dining table undisturbed.
Reading an Elephant’s Behavioral Cues
In the video, the elephants appeared relaxed and curious, using their trunks to inspect the table settings. These behaviors indicate curiosity rather than aggression or defensiveness. Elephants typically exhibit peaceful behavior characterized by slow movements. However, when encountering the largest land animal on earth, it is beneficial to be aware of the signals that may indicate if an elephant is feeling tense, aggressive, or dangerous.
For instance, an elephant feeling threatened or attempting to intimidate will try to appear as large as possible, often by standing on a raised platform to loom over their perceived threat. A tense or anxious elephant may exhibit behaviors such as swinging a front foot, touching their face, or curling and twisting their trunk. On the other hand, an aggressive elephant may spread its ears wide to appear more imposing, shake its head, or even charge (or feign a charge). While aggressive displays are more common in male elephants, mother elephants and other protective females can also exhibit aggression when defending their offspring.
To watch the video, click here.
The post detailing the elephant family’s unexpected visit to a resort and their impromptu continental breakfast escapade can be viewed on A-Z Animals.
