Angry African Elephant on musth threatens to charge Safari car

On musth (heat), this normally gentle giant’s temperament was aggressive. He ran towards us in a still vechile, stopping within 2m then starting this mock charge routine.
They call it a “mock charge” because thankfully he chose against flipping us over, but this big African Elephant bull’s body language indicated he was deciding whether or not to charge. The stomping foot, curled trunk, flapping ears, throwing dirt, crossed legs, switching weight from side to side was all part of the show. Stamping his authority and aiming to scare us off. Job well done Mr Elephant. At the first opportunity the driver hit the gas and we were out of there!

[@amyf6726]

He sure is a graceful and handsome fella. Those kind eyes and the huge yet soft and subtle movements of his trunk rolling over his tusks is just so cool. He knows he’s big and knows he’s a badass, yet those kind eyes long for some sweet and tender love and affection. I don’t feel like he was being threatening he was doing a graceful little dance to show you he’s a pretty boy who could crush you dead but chooses not to at all. I’d think he may have accepted a trunk patting but realize that when u have a Jeep full of paying tourists, it’s probably not a very good idea. LoL I feel kinda bad for the male phants. Some don’t really want to be alone but the grouchy females force the issue. Hahaha kinda like humans. 💜🐘💜

[@pilanesbergtrails6844]

When does guides ever realize that animals, especially elephants don't understand English! Keep on talking with them as you entertain us with your whispering skills.

[@janj6791]

Exactly what came to my mind too. 😂🤣😅 Only we humans have several languages often based on where we come from, but other creatures have only one language for each species irrespective of where they are from; all dogs bark, all elephants trumpet, all ducks quack, all crows caw etc.