What a close encounter!!!

We had a really awesome close-up experience with this big guy!!

[@canbest7668]

“Okay, its time we talked about the elephant outside the room…”

[@mastermill79]

Underrated comment 😂

[@Liksterr97]

😂😂😂

[@Beruthiel45]

The man himself explained what the elephant was doing when the lady asked. The digging with the front feet and sticking a tusk into the ground are part of searching for roots to eat. Which action the elephant repeated as he moved further into the grassy area. It's common food seeking activity, especially during the African winter when above ground greenery is more sparse. You can see the activity by watching several channels which follow elephants as they proceed during their daily lives. It's nice to think he was acknowledging the humans but it's fallacious. The only reason to cause an elephant to bow as we understand it would be because it had been trained to do so as a captive,,and even then it would just be a parlour trick. They are wonderful and intelligent beings, and I love them, but they don't understand the human concept of a bow.

[@embreis2257]

assuming an elephant would 'bow' and do this for a human, is utterly ludicrous in the first place. digging up roots made the most sense. maybe there was something salty too but my bet is on roots.

[@sweeptheleg.]

When i read some of the earlier comments about the elephant "bowing" I couldn't help laughing. Don't be daft people, it's a fkn wild animal, what does it know about bowing? Another attempt by man to try to " humanise" animals. 😂

[@johnathansmith9059]

It's tusks did look broken/worn down...could be from bowing so much...could be from human efforts...could be he has an itch...we will never know

[@Beruthiel45]

@@johnathansmith9059 They often break their tusks because they use them to snap branches and to dig with. They even get grooves because they use the same tusk all the time to do certain tasks, and those grooves can eventually break the Tusk. They're more tools for feeding than for fighting.

[@mariarohmer2374]

@@Beruthiel45 Wow, you are full of knowledge. Thanks. I feel very stupid because I used to think their tusks fell out like teeth and that's how people got ivory. I didn't learn until I was in my 20's the horrific truth. I still can't believe it. What kind of person can take the life of such a magnificent creature? I would rather die myself than do that.

[@nostromo7928]

Elephants are noble, regal, and beyond beautiful. ❤

[@kathy888]

Joy Adams (Born Free) said these were the animals she feared most! Unpredictable.

[@Chocolate74able]

The most beautiful 🥰❤️

[@sergiohenrique2411]

So Much Meat !!!!!

[@LegionRides]

And the can be gore too, if you harm their habitat!

[@sergiohenrique2411]

so much fooooooooooooooood

[@dawna8695]

Elephant's like "hey, what's up? This is usually where I get my dinner but I can work around you." Beautiful encounter thanks for sharing.🐘🥔❤

[@sergiohenrique2411]

Bro my ignorance woukd have me dead but id go for any vegetable inside the van and thtow it for him 🤣

[@nick7602]

How utterly fantastic, what a beautiful Elephant

[@jameslewis8438]

The most beautiful part was the wife asking the husband “are we safe” and her trusting in him. That’s ❤

[@xoazaja653]

Last words.

[@angeldelgado7120]

Not like there was much else she could do.

[@jameslewis8438]

@@angeldelgado7120 she could've panicked and ran off

[@andrewlong4894]

they were safe even inside their house/trailer,RV or whatever they live in. That elephant would demolish it if he wanted to

[@42tregg6]

He would be safer without her yapping- I thought she was going to scream and get them trampled.

[@tinyweegiant4045]

You two are the luckiest people ever. What a beautiful creature. Humbling

[@jenjones3035]

Wow. That was an extraordinary experience. You were incredibly calm. Probably why he was so well behaved too. Thanks for sharing. Just remarkable.

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Such majestic, intelligent animals! I love them!

[@sergiohenrique2411]

yeah they are known for rocket science and atomic farts

[@r.fumador1146]

@@sergiohenrique2411 they are known for their great intelligence.

[@jimsimminins3020]

That's the most beautiful elephant I've ever seen. What a specimen. Why people would ever want to harm them is beyond me.

[@danvez5656]

I don't think it's that anyone wants to harm them, more that they can make money from them and that some people are morally empty. Thankfully it's nowhere near as bad as it was just 20-30 years ago

[@FrankenstratAssassin]

Digging for roots to snack on. Elephants have one of the best "sniffers" of any mammal on the planet, so this big fellow's radar just pointed it out to him. After all, what's a little dirt to move for an elephant? It sure looked like he was about to do it again as he walked off to the right. Yeah. That would be a freaky encounter to say the least, but I'm quite certain this guy had zero interest or felt any threat from this couple. Just out for a midnight snack!! Cool video.

[@NYUArchaeology]

Digging for roots because a certain race of people destroyed the land and wildlife. Did you forget or something?

[@daigoro7216]

@@NYUArchaeology Yes, we forgot. But don't worry. Elephants don't forget.

[@Barrythebarnabas]

@@NYUArchaeology😂😂😂 nature runs on “survival of the fittest” did you forget or something?

[@NYUArchaeology]

@@Barrythebarnabas hush. You've massacred every animal there. Rome went crazy. Leopold went crazier. Be quiet.

[@ItsTheBibby]

@@NYUArchaeology The elephant shouldn't have belonged to an inferior species if he didn't want competition for resources.

[@mickdimi1456]

Wow here in UK I sometimes see a hedgehog 🦔 in my garden at night

[@paulmahy]

I've seen two!

[@nostromo7928]

😂

[@wd8779]

Very good

[@fishyc150]

A badger and a fox came in mine thus evening!

[@madambeluga]

I'm in Canada, sometimes I see some raccoons. 🩶🦝

[@pennybourban3712]

What a beautiful sight to observe. Who would think something so large could be so graceful?

[@justmejo9008]

Wow! His greatness and your luck are more than I could handle ❤️

[@ladyjustice1474]

The elephant did not bow. Using his foot to dig in the dirt and the go down to use his tusk is how they forage for food. When he didn't find what he's looking for, he moved to another spot.

[@JohnIshikawa]

He’s amazed by how humans make bright light in the middle of all this night .

[@UltimateThanos]

"How do those cute little critters do it?"

[@JohnIshikawa]

@@UltimateThanos What he doesn’t understand is that humans need infrastructure and gadgets to live . That big elephant was born with all of the “ infrastructure “ he’ll ever need .

[@datazndood]

I like the reassurance from the man to his woman that they are safe. The only real potential disturbance through no fault of her own is her talking. To an animal that big probably not so but you can tell he wasn’t verbalizing and just taking it all in and completely grateful for the animal passing by.

[@Lalitavonder]

I am a born South African living in Northern Ireland (grandmother was Irish and god I miss home, camping in the bush when a wild animal comes to chill, so cool, I will never forget that feeling

[@Morgan_Layfay]

Beautiful! Also, when she asked if they were safe, and he said yes, and she knew she could trust that 💖 It was all lovely.

[@Goneforever111]

The way it walked by them shows just how much of a majestic and beautiful creature it is!!! 😍❤️🙏🏽😍

[@vivnoname]

Wow, what a beautiful boy. I think he just wants to be caught on camera…lol. What an amazing experience and kudos to you for keeping your cool and not making him anxious ❤️

[@everybodyyogastudio212]

He was digging and looking for roots to eat! Very cool❤

[@parikshitkumar6485]

Very respectful , extraordinary encounter. He's like " I am just passing through".

[@ursulasoames8602]

I’d be utterly awed and humbled by that experience 🐘😍❤️

[@sigisoltau6073]

That was amazing, just pure amazing. They're beautiful animals.

[@mellel5594]

This is amazing footage! That is one beautiful elephant!! And so graceful!! ✌🏾

[@WhyDoesItMatter-qu2qy]

0:06 “He’s just standing there… MENACINGLY!”

[@Cara-380]

Nope, not menacing or aggressive, no ear flapping, growling, trumpeting or mock charges. He was aware of the humans but calmly rooted around in the ground looking for food and when none was found, he moved on.

[@michaelmurphy825]

Between Conch and Corral.

[@Barrythebarnabas]

@@Cara-380😂 it’s a reference

[@yz2374]

@@Cara-380 he was definately assertive and not even slightly passive as the idiot kept staring at him

[@jburnett8152]

Unbelievable beautiful encounter. What a blessing. Thank you for sharing.

[@lupash]

You're not safe, you're blessed!

[@allisoncompeaux3981]

I agree with the comments that you two were so very lucky to have this experience. What a beautiful creature.❤

[@iandeumayne-jones1557]

Wow. How incredibly lucky were you guys? What a honour. What a magnificent animal.

[@1954telecaster]

He’s like “thanks for the light”

[@DP-jaja]

Go camping she said….it’ll be fun she said 😂😂😂

[@armageddonready4071]

He ain’t hurting nothing but roots. If you were to sing “you are my sunshine”, he would probably chime in.

[@uzala7231]

I dont know why humans talk in such incredible moments......The elefant is total nature 🙏

[@dragonjoy1313]

This is definitely bucket list material! So blessed! ❤❤❤

[@bigd4561]

That is incredible! Lucky people to have experienced that!

[@pontiffsulyvahn9527]

I Always have a smile when i see elephants.. Weird.. they are unreal.. really . Just from a another planet of beauty... The way they look ,stand, and walk.. No words.. sometimes they dancing approaching.. Sorry for this ugly english !( From paris)!

[@rumigirl]

Your English is lovely! And so are your thoughts about elephants. 💚

[@pontiffsulyvahn9527]

@@rumigirl if you say it!. Thank you!.

[@katedavies9578]

Beautiful English, and powerfully expressed sentiments! Yes, elephants are exquisitely wonderful, beyond words.

[@pontiffsulyvahn9527]

@@katedavies9578 🙂 thanks.

[@binghoward70]

Wow!!! Good thing I was wearing my “Depends”… If not I will need a new pair of pants… 😮 That elephant is huge.

[@terrencehollins8072]

Elephant was just innocently kicking the dust like”Soooo whatcha doin?”😂

[@MatMat-qi2rd]

This was moving... really... beautiful mysterious creature. Thankyou for sharing this and for showing so much respect to that wonderful animal ❤

[@larryrohatsch4892]

Absolutely amazing thank you for sharing.

[@hothotheat3000]

The people stayed calm and saved their own lives.

[@lamarw7757]

You don't know that.

[@alexpetrov8871]

@@lamarw7757 This is wild animal. It can attack you just because you're stay in it's territory or near it's cubs or it simple doesn't like you. Just search "elephant attack" and learn what to expect ))

[@rrogers2370]

@@lamarw7757well, they did stay calm at least.

[@Anniegolovchenko]

Marvelous being!!!❤

[@ysabelleguy5452]

Wow ! He is beautiful 🐘🙏❤️

[@medusaslair]

What a beauty. So majestic. Thanks for sharing this magical moment!

[@dennisb.d.f.7531]

I had a moment like this in South Africa. Was simply amazing and more then beautiful 😍

[@stevenalexander403]

G'day it's Steven from down under What a wonderful and special experience for you both, of course there's always a concern about ones safety in such an encounter. Ever since I was a boy I've been fascinated by African elephants, they're so intelligent, majestic and amazing animals, and in many ways I see a lot of human traits in them too. Absolutely wonderful

[@gafrers]

He wanted to ask for a cup of sugar but was too embarrassed 🤣🤣 What a Majestic, incredible animal, with amazing tusks.

[@maryannpost8146]

That was fantastic to see! Thanks so much for sharing! Wonderful creature! ❤❤❤

[@kadu.g.g]

That elephant saying: "that's your red line, don't cross it!!! @.@ 😁

[@Medusa.1000]

I wish The woman would have STOPPED TALKING !!!

[@LarsVallin]

Yes!!!

[@dasrotkehlchen256]

Puh, ein ganz schön aufregendes Erlebnis. Ich glaube ich hätte mir vor Angst in die Hose gemacht!

[@jennifermvangoey9658]

Wow!!! What a fantastic front row seat to a majestic show! They are SO cool! 🐘❤

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

Could be looking for water, by kicking the sand, and you both showed no fear or anything which helped the bull elephant to not feel anxious himself and comfortable around you. I think he was def bowing as to say welcome to my home and respecting our land. Truly amazing video.

[@GennaroBisignano]

Anche penso che abbia fatto così 😊

[@HansBomers]

The chances an elephant understands the human concept of a bow are virtually zero. He's probably looking for food (roots) in the ground.

[@Cara-380]

This is foraging behavior; it's not a bow and certainly not an expression of welcome or gratitude. Let's stop anthropomorphizing wild animals

[@doomi_nukem]

I'm so glad these animals exist, incredible.

[@bear1776.]

He was dancing for you then bowed to let you know he wasn't a threat. Beautiful encounter

[@samday6621]

😄 yeah, it was like a soft shoe shuffle.

[@01blaval]

Easy to say when you’re not sitting there…😅

[@antonio4463]

Es fácil estar sentado ahí con 4 o 5 rifles apuntando al elefante 😂😢

[@dd41283]

Don't attribute human characteristics to animals. Just. . . don't.

[@sweeptheleg.]

It's a wild animal not a trained circus performer. It wasn't dancing, it was kicking up the dirt trying to unearth roots to eat. It showed he wasn't a threat by not killing them if he had a mind to. If you don't know what you're talking about just be quiet.

[@jaymac7203]

He's just taking advantage of your torchlight 🔦 🐘 lol

[@ranamitra9261]

What a breathing sequence

[@kevinedwards7206]

Absolutely fantastic, what an amazing, gentle giant.❤

[@JulieRushworth-k4w]

What a absolute beauty 😍, i adore Elephants, this encounter is stunning, no no im not a bit jealous..

[@julieh1815]

Wow what a memory very brave to sit there beautiful elephant so close up

[@edhodapp6465]

Wow. My pulse went up just watching. What a remarkable experience.

[@gigir8501]

Amazing video! Looked like it was acknowledging their presence before it passed by! How blessed they were able to witness such beauty up close! ❤

[@NalaRichenbach]

That was magnificent... a bull elephant a few feet in front of you. The memory of a lifetime or it could have been the last memory... either way this is an exciting encounter.

[@ION400]

Thank you for sharing, beautiful animal.

[@jacko8603]

They're majestic creatures. I think it was teasing you or testing your reaction. Showing off. But be calm and they're all peace. They're one of the most highly intelligent animals that walk along side us. One source i've read is that they even find us cute

[@hanneliewiese3477]

They love the taste and smell of the soil and I think he wanted to cover his trunk with the dust / powedery sand. They often find roots under the soil that they love.

[@alricaneshama]

OMG! You're SO LUCKY. I would have to hold myself back from wanting to go pet him ❤ Absolutely beautiful elephant. 😍

[@Barrythebarnabas]

Lmao some people have no survival instincts 😂

[@kammaniruchulu890]

My god this old man sitting like a dashing and daring 😮

[@reneelash1091]

And what a miraculous close encounter of the elephant that's once in a lifetime right there unless you live in Africa and it looked like a young bull gorgeous

[@witchielovelife]

What a privilege,a unique encounter with our majestic beauties ❤

[@spacecat7247]

Wow. So very cool. Keep adventuring. So many cool things to see. Looks like you guys have the right rig for it.

[@Y2.903]

Elephants say so much and yet they don't speak a word, so beautiful and majestic

[@deanmashburn6829]

Now that's what I would call an awesome encounter but it's got to be a little scary though❤❤❤❤

[@randym.7238]

That how I feel when I realize a Praying Mantis is just a few feet from me, watching me from a branch or a Window Sill.

[@karlsumner5594]

That is absolutely stunning!

[@harmonysprogress]

WOW!!!! Can you just imagine being in that moment!!!!💗💗💗✝️✝️✝️

[@whitefishfins]

Amazing and beautiful moment! Thank you for sharing!

[@Sweepee-v2v]

That bow down from the elephant before it walked past was I sign of respect and clear message he doesn't want trouble. It's so beautiful and a wonderful understanding. They know humans can shoot them. This one knew he was safe to go about his business.

[@angel213fl]

Such a wonderful experience. Such a beautiful and majestic creature that should be protected at ALL costs. Elephant 🐘: Hi don’t mind me. Just passing through looking for some roots to nosh on Hoomans. 🙏🏽😇🐘❌⭕️🕊️

[@missyflutter5562]

What an absolute miracle Sir he bowed to you before he left…. if it were me, I’d have struggled to keep my big mouth shut, squealing with joy & yes he would have trampled me to pieces 😅😅😅

[@gormatthew]

this reminded me of my trip to Kruger. Beautiful animals

[@TheBasementGardener]

Giant tusks meet feet away....dude must have been thinking ...woman... shut up!!!! LoL

[@eugenesteenhuisen4065]

Love it. Has a few encounters in Zimbabwe and in Botswana. Unforgettable

[@SDPickups]

What amazing beings these elephants are.

[@F1Legend33]

"Hello humans. Dont mind me, im the friendly neighborhood sand inspector. Dont mind me.... Hmmm yes. Good sand here. Very good sand. Okay lets check this patch of grass over here too.... Ah okay. Solid sand over here too. Okay guys. You are all good!"

[@tconcotelli]

Wow! The moments you live for in life!

[@mattdad8429]

That elephant was like "...what in the hell are you doing all the way out here?"

[@EDUB9X3]

If he was shy, it would be........"Hi, urrrh, urrrh, erm, don't mind me, I'm just minding my own business, okay".

[@melodyschlissio9096]

How amazing was that??!!! I’m jealous! What a great encounter.

[@ReevesTop]

What a majestic animal! Amazing!

[@Vovo-zx4ql]

He was trying to make dust to roll in but couldn’t make enough while you were there. What a magical moment. 😊

[@LordOfSweden]

It's the most intelligent animal in all of the animal kingdom behind primates. It's def not agressive in anyway. But that first thing when he just stood there and probably thought "Well now what, they're in my digging space..." was a bit intense

[@TheRingleader2011]

That was amazing!!! It made me tear up to see such a magnificent bull bow down to let them know he meant no harm. Elephants are truly magnificent creatures and a gift from God!

[@DollhouseAdventures53]

? He was looking for roots.

[@dd41283]

@@TheRingleader2011 it wasn't bowing (🙄), it was foraging for food. Stop attributing human characteristics to animals.

[@daggidding4478]

Awesome 😃👍

[@Christian_Tango_Christ]

When around elephants in the wild its always smartest to talk at full volume😂😂😂

[@andymartinez767]

Such beautiful creatures. Here in Australia i see kangaroos, brown snakes and red belly blacks. You see elephants

[@jmcclain8237]

Perhaps shutting up and just being amazed by the moment that you're in is the best course of action.

[@Cloofinder]

Elephant: Don't mind me, folks. I'm just doing a little foridging. If yall like, I can provide a little security for you.