This Tourist Got Too Close to an Elephant and Paid the Price

A selfie-seeking tourist in India missed the moment he wanted with an elephant on camera, but someone else snapped footage when the elephant charged and trampled him. Learn more about the elephant attack in India, and how situations like this can be avoided.

Elephant Tramples Selfie-Seeking Tourist in India

According to reports, the tourist ignored posted warning signs and illegally entered a restricted forest to take a picture with an elephant who was peacefully eating near the roadside. A witness to the trampling stated that the elephant was seemingly startled and upset by the flash of the tourist’s camera. The selfie-seeker fled across the street as he realized he’d made an elephant-sized mistake, but the elephant followed across the road, charging in front of incoming traffic. The running elephant quickly caught up with him as he stumbled and fell, then the elephant walked atop the man for a few seconds before trotting away.

The injured tourist is reportedly recovering and received treatment at a hospital. Hopefully, he also learned a valuable lesson about respecting others’ space.

Don’t Make an Elephant-Sized Mistake: Animals Aren’t Selfie Props

This elephant was forced to protect their personal space because of humans’ selfish desire for selfies with wildlife. Elephants are highly social animals who form close bonds with their families and mourn the death of their loved ones. These gentle, emotional animals do not want to be exploited for photo ops, circuses, or for any other reason. Animals aren’t selfie props, and their need for space must be respected.