A video showing a Spanish man pouring beer down an elephant’s trunk in Kenya has sparked widespread outrage on social media and prompted multiple investigations. The incident, which took place at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County, has raised serious concerns about wildlife ethics, animal welfare, and tourist behavior in Kenya’s protected areas.
The Incident: A Disturbing Encounter
In the footage, the man is seen drinking from a can of Tusker, a popular Kenyan beer, before pouring the remainder into the trunk of a large bull elephant. He captioned one clip on Instagram, “Just a tusker with a tusked friend,” a pun that did little to soften the backlash. The videos were later deleted after Kenyans flooded the comments with criticism, some even calling for the man’s deportation.
The BBC verified the authenticity of the videos, identifying the location as Ol Jogi Conservancy and the elephant as Bupa, a well-known bull with distinctive tusks, one of which is damaged. Bupa was rescued from a mass elephant cull in Zimbabwe in 1989 and has since become an ambassador for conservation at Ol Jogi.
Official Responses and Investigations
Ol Jogi Conservancy condemned the act as “unacceptable, dangerous and completely against our values.” A staff member expressed shock, emphasizing that visitors are not allowed near elephants for safety and conservation reasons. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has also launched an investigation into the matter.
The man, who uses the handle Skydive_Kenya on social media, also posted videos feeding elephants and rhinos with carrots at nearby conservancies, breaking rules that prohibit touching or feeding wild animals. Ol Pejeta Conservancy confirmed that the rhino in one video was from their reserve and criticized the tourist for violating their guidelines.
Why Is This Behavior Dangerous?
Dr Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan biologist and elephant conservationist, described the tourist’s actions as “unfortunate” and dangerous for both the man and the elephant. She highlighted that about 95% of Kenya’s elephants are wild, and social media posts like these create a false impression that close contact and feeding are safe or acceptable.
Such behavior can stress animals, alter their natural habits, and increase the risk of injury or conflict between humans and wildlife. It also undermines conservation efforts aimed at protecting these majestic creatures and their habitats.
Context: Tourism and Wildlife Conservation Challenges
This incident comes shortly after another viral controversy involving tourists disrupting the annual wildebeest migration at Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Visitors were filmed blocking migrating herds, jumping out of vehicles, and forcing animals into crocodile-infested waters, prompting outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of park rules.
In response, Kenya’s tourism and wildlife ministry announced new measures to ensure visitor compliance, including stricter rules for tour operators, improved signage, and enhanced education on safety and conservation protocols.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Kenya’s Natural Heritage
Kenya’s wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and the iconic wildebeest migration, is a vital part of the country’s natural heritage and a major draw for tourism. Incidents like the beer-pouring stunt threaten not only animal welfare but also Kenya’s reputation as a premier wildlife destination.
Conservationists and authorities continue to stress the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries, following park regulations, and promoting responsible tourism that safeguards both animals and visitors.
