Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation after a Spanish tourist was filmed pouring beer down the trunk of an elephant at a private wildlife conservancy – an act that has drawn condemnation from conservationists and the public alike.
The now-deleted video, originally posted on Instagram by a man using the handle Skydive_Kenya, showed him drinking a Tusker beer before giving the remainder to an elephant.
In another clip, he is seen feeding elephants carrots and saying, “We are on beer time.”
The footage, verified by the BBC, appears to have been taken at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County.
The elephant shown is believed to be Bupa, a well-known rescued bull who has lived at the sanctuary since 1989.
“This should never have happened,” said a shocked staff member from Ol Jogi, who confirmed that the videos would be handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
“We don’t even allow people to go near the elephants.”
KWS spokesperson Paul Udoto confirmed the agency is investigating.
Feeding alcohol to wild animals is considered not only irresponsible, but also potentially harmful to their health and behaviour.
Conservationists Condemn “Reckless” Act
Dr Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan elephant biologist, called the act “unfortunate,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and endangers both animals and humans.
“Elephants are wild animals, and these kinds of videos suggest that it’s normal or safe to interact with them closely – it’s not,” Kiiru stated.
“These animals are not pets.”
The tourist, who describes himself as an “adrenaline junkie,” also posted footage from Ol Pejeta Conservancy, showing him hand-feeding a rhino.
Officials from that conservancy confirmed the breach of rules, stating he was not permitted to physically engage with the animals.
“He has broken our rules – rhinos are not pets,” said Ol Pejeta spokesperson Dylan Habil.
Tourism Sector Under Scrutiny
The elephant video comes just days after widespread backlash over another tourist incident, where visitors at the Maasai Mara blocked the path of migrating wildebeest and jumped out of safari vehicles – breaching park regulations and disrupting one of the world’s most iconic wildlife spectacles.
In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife announced tighter regulations for tour operators and renewed efforts to educate tourists on ethical wildlife behaviour.
The government has pledged to:
- Enforce existing rules more strictly.
- Improve signage in national parks.
- Ensure visitors stay in vehicles outside designated areas.
With tourism a vital part of Kenya’s economy and natural heritage, conservationists and authorities say such reckless behaviour threatens both wildlife and the sustainability of eco-tourism.
The Spanish tourist in question has yet to be publicly identified, but calls for deportation and potential legal consequences have gained traction on social media under the hashtag #RespectKenyaWildlife.
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