Young Elephant Manages To Scare Off Lioness At Water Well In Viral Video
Andrea Powell
Kruger National Park in South Africa covers over 7,500 square miles and is home to more than 147 mammals and 508 bird species. Majestic animals like elephants and lions roam free and sometimes cross paths.
A video posted by Latest Sightings on YouTube captured a rare moment when a young elephant encountered a lioness at a water well.
The lioness was resting near the well as the elephant approached. When she realized she was not alone, she hid behind the well to get a better look.
The elephant took a drink but then stepped back as it sensed it was also not alone. After a few moments, the pachyderm continued to drink from the well until it spotted the lioness.
The standoff lasted a few seconds before the elephant made the first move.
It used its powerful trunk to spray water at the lioness who sprinted off into the brush. The juvenile beast letting out a mighty roar before charging in the direction the lion ran.
The video has gone viral with over 4 million views.
One viewer said, "I don't think I've ever seen a better example of just how expressive an elephant can be with its trunk..."
Another commented, "It's funny how it's all a big misunderstanding that they can never explain to each other 😂 for the elephant it's 'hey, I came for some water, what are you doing here!' and for the lioness it's 'hey, I'm trying to sleep, what are you doing here!'."
Elephants are such fascinating animals who use vocalizations to communicate. The load roar or trumpet is used as an alarm and to intimidate lions and other predators. National Geographic goes into detail about all the vocalizations elephants make and what they mean. Learn more here.
Check out the video below and don't forget to turn down the volume if you are using earphones.
