Elephant surprises swimmers by taking a big gulp of water from hotel pool

If you thought the pool in your hotel was a bit crowded, think again.

This is the moment an elephant surprised guests at a hotel in South Africa by taking a big gulp of water from its pool.

A herd of elephants passed by the Mhondoro Lodge in Limpopo province, and one of their number fancied a drink.

The footage was captured by the lodge’s tour guide Ivan Ueckermann after he spotted the herd approaching.

Video shows the elephant taking big gulps and dipping its trunk underwater.

Mr Ueckermann, 29, said: “I knew this was a great opportunity to witness them in their natural environment.

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“We learn so much about these amazing creatures and their behaviour, how they react to one another, which ones dominate the pool keeping the others at bay.

“Just enjoying the sounds they make when they drink the water and communicate, or seeing textures of their skin and super long eyelashes. It was amazing.”

During dry season in South Africa, few natural rivers flow and waterholes are dry, forcing the elephants to resort to alternative measures.

Mr Ueckermann said the pool contained salt water with no chemicals, so it was safe for the elephants to drink.

“They are opportunistic animals and will stop at any water for a drink if within their reach,” he said.

“It was just awesome to witness, they are super-relaxed with human presence and come and go at their own will.”