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Tourists Survive Elephant Charge During Botswana Canoe Safari

10/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During a canoe safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta on September 27, tourists Jeff Melvin and Larry Unrein were charged by a protective elephant, overturning their canoe.
The animal briefly pinned a tourist underwater; guides helped the group escape, and experts warned calves trigger guard behavior.
Ron Magill of Zoo Miami called the tourists lucky to survive and urged distance from wildlife.

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Story summary

During a canoe safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta on September 27, tourists Jeff Melvin and Larry Unrein were charged by a protective elephant, overturning their canoe.
The animal briefly pinned a tourist underwater; guides helped the group escape, and experts warned calves trigger guard behavior.
Ron Magill of Zoo Miami called the tourists lucky to survive and urged distance from wildlife.