In-heat bull elephant has taken to crushing cars

An in-heat bull elephant has crushed four cars in 10 days at a national park in Thailand, the latest of which had a terrified family inside the vehicle.



The wild bull pachyderm approached the silver car on Saturday, which is stopped in the middle of the road in the Khao Yai National Park. The elephant then appeared to sit on the bonnet briefly before standing up and testing the metal with its foot. The pachyderm then slowly climbed up onto the car, somehow managing to fit all four of its giant feet on the bonnet, crushing it with its weight.



The family inside the car had just arrived at the park, a popular tourist spot, to celebrate National Children’s Day. Khao Yai National Park chief Kanchit Srinoppawan said no one was hurt in the incident but the car’s bonnet was crushed and the windscreen shattered. Less than two weeks ago, on January 1, the same elephant was responsible for damaging three more vehicles.


YouTube link. News video with additional footage.

Patarapol Maneeorn, a vet who has cared for elephants in the park said the animal was “in heat” and likely stressed. "In the mating season, the elephant might have developed some stress. Moving vehicles might have added to the tension," he said.