An elephant’s mating season escape led to an incredible encounter at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand as the giant animal climbed atop a family’s car.
The silver vehicle was en route to National Children’s Day celebrations near Bangkok when the incident occurred.
The driver had no choice but to stop when the male elephant ventured onto the road and approached the car.
A mobile phone captured the event, showing the elephant resting its trunk on the hood before placing its front feet and, eventually, its hind legs on top of the vehicle.
After jumping off the car, the elephant walked away, leaving behind a significantly damaged hood and a cracked windshield.
Thankfully, the family in the car was not injured. This incident marks the second time this month that an elephant has caused damage in the park, with another elephant damaging three vehicles on New Year’s Day. It remains unclear whether the same elephant was involved in both cases.
According to Patarapol Maneeorn, a government veterinarian, elephants typically do not approach cars.
However, he speculates that the elephant may have been stressed due to mating season and that moving vehicles could have exacerbated the tension.
Male elephants are usually expelled from their herd at reproductive age to prevent inbreeding, which could explain their escape. Park visitors are advised to exercise extra caution while driving.
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