A life lesson is that one should never provoke someone they cannot resist.
There is a term “Big Five” that refers to the five most respected animal species in Africa. These are not just the largest mammals, but also the most dangerous and fierce animals in Africa. This is clearly reflected in the five names on the list: elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and African buffalo.
A “match” between two members of the Big Five.
Both elephants and buffaloes are herbivorous animals; however, due to their massive size and unpredictable temperament, they are classified among the most formidable and dangerous creatures in Africa.
Each species possesses unique characteristics and strengths that allow them to dominate their territory.
Typically, people are more familiar with the fierce battles of animals like lions and leopards while hunting or the defensive actions of elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes when protecting their territory. Any conflict between two species within the Big Five is intensely dramatic due to its brutal nature.
Tour guide Conrad Cramer, while performing his duties at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa, happened to witness a “match” between two members of the Big Five.
“What’s up, what’s up, what do you like?”, the elephant taunts the buffalo.
As Cramer was leading his group through the wild scenery at Addo Elephant, they passed by Spekboom Dam and discovered a large herd of elephants gathering to drink water.
The scene was truly serene until a buffalo ambled over to the waterhole. It seemed to have no intention of encroaching, only seeking a drink to quench its thirst from the scorching summer heat.
Feeling bold, the buffalo confronts the oblivious elephant.
However, one member of the elephant herd, the smallest one, did not appreciate sharing resources with a stranger.
Cramer recounted witnessing the young elephant approach the buffalo with a very aggressive demeanor. It flared its ears and raised its head high, all signs of an adult elephant trying to intimidate its opponent.
The young elephant tumbles after the buffalo’s attack.
Of course, the buffalo was not comfortable being threatened by such a young creature. It charged forward, using its sharp horns to toss the young elephant into the air. After taking a painful hit, the young elephant’s confidence shattered, and it had to retreat to its mother for shelter.
The buffalo continues to drink water after the confrontation.
Cramer noted: “What surprised me the most was that the herd of elephants had no intention of intervening in the scuffle. It seemed they wanted the young member of the herd to learn a lesson about how to behave in life.”
