A recent incident involving a Spanish tourist in Kenya has ignited a social media uproar after he posted videos of himself pouring beer down an elephant's trunk. The footage, which was filmed inside the Ol Jogi Conservancy, showcased him drinking from a can of the local beer, Tusker, before sharing the remainder with the elephant.
Following a sharp outcry from Kenyans online, the videos were deleted, but not before they sparked numerous calls for action against the individual. The controversial posts featured a caption that read, Just a tusker with a tusked friend, which further fueled public outrage.
Upon reviewing the footage, the BBC confirmed its authenticity, supported by identifiable landmarks and a specific bull elephant known to frequent the conservancy. A staff member at the site expressed astonishment at the incident, asserting that such behavior undermines wildlife conservation efforts and must be reported to the relevant authorities.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is now investigating, with spokesperson Paul Udoto stating they are taking the incident very seriously. The unidentified man, known on social media as Skydive_Kenya, also shared additional content showcasing intimate encounters with elephants that involved feeding them and playing with them, raising concerns about the impression these actions leave regarding wildlife interactions.
Conservationists, such as Kenyan biologist Dr. Winnie Kiiru, condemned the incident as dangerous, highlighting the potential risks to both human and elephant safety while stressing the ethical considerations of approaching wild animals. Recent events, such as tourists filin the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara, have led authorities to announce new regulations aimed at protecting wildlife and ensuring visitor compliance with safety measures.
Such occurrences underline the pressing necessity for enhanced visitor education on safe wildlife interactions as Kenya continues to attract a large number of ecotourists each year.
