Adorable moment mother elephant restrains inquisitive calf

A heart-warming video every parent will relate to shows the cute moment a patient wild elephant mum has to repeatedly try and get her calf to stop playing with the humans.

In an incredible sighting filmed this week, a herd of elephants were crossing the path of a safari group in Ndutu, Tanzania, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

As the huge animals made their way past, one little seven-month-old calf decided he wanted to investigate these unusual new visitors.

As the video shows, the mother elephant tries to gently wrap her trunk around the youngster to pull him away, but each time the little one wriggles free and goes back again.

Safari guide and wildlife photographer Bobby-Jo Vial said mother elephants can become stressed and protective over their calves, so it was important she and her group, and their vehicle, remained absolutely still.

At one stage mum seems to get a little frustrated with her wilful child and looks up at the jeep, which she could easily flip over.

But thankfully for all concerned, she was able to get her toddler under control and gently guide him on his way, leaving the safari group elated at the sighting.

Bobby-Jo, who describes herself as Chief Honey Badger at her firm Bobby-Jo Safaris, said: “So many emotions were going through my mind whilst filming this. I was absolutely thrilled to observe a young elephant calf so close but also understanding and aware of the situation with the calf’s mum.

“I have cared for both Asian and African elephants for many years in my role as a zoo keeper in Australia and have also spent over two decades photographing and observing them in the wild.

“Elephants can become frustrated and stressed over their offspring just like humans. I was aware that the situation could escalate if the cow was unsuccessful in encouraging her calf to come away from us.

“This is why we did not start the car or attempt to move away. This would have startled the little one. The best thing we could do in that moment was to remain calm and enjoy the incredible behaviour. To watch the cow gently try to move the calf away was the highlight of the sighting. She was so patient and gentle with the little male.”

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Bobby-Jo said elephants are incredibly intelligent and just like a human child the calf will have wanted to investigate anything new.

She added: “Elephant calves are incredibly inquisitive. Our car was something different in his environment and he wanted to explore. I noticed the calf was rubbing up against his mother when we first came across them. He also did this on our vehicle.

“My guests were absolutely thrilled. We all burst into laughter and happiness once the sighting was over. We couldn’t believe what had just happened. I’m really proud of the way my guests remained calm throughout the sighting. We are having such a wonderful time on safari in the Southern Serengeti.

“I was really excited to share this special encounter with my family, friends and followers.

“I had a feeling it would be popular, but I’m blown away with how quickly the video has spread across the world. So many positive comments. It makes me happy to know it is bringing joy to other people. Wildlife is the best therapy.

“One lady commented on Facebook that it is the best video she has watched in 73 years and that it was bringing her pure joy.”

The elephant herd was made up of around 10 individuals and a matriarch, who was an older female with longer tusks.

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