Clips of the moment began circulating online over the weekend and have since been watched millions of times – Kaunda and the curious young elephant quickly gained a viral reputation. The brief interaction between reporter and subject delighted audiences and left many in awe of Kaunda’s ability to keep her composure as long as she could. this Sheldrick Wildlife Foundationa non-profit organization that operates the orphanage, defined as an elephant Kindiand a 4-year-old woman who was rescued in April 2018.
“The baby elephant that messed up a TV reporter’s job is the best part of the day.” tweeted A Twitter user who shared the stock market videos that had over 11.8 million views as of Wednesday.
For Kaunda, it all started as a normal day at work.
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation reporter was in charge of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, according to her Kenyans.co.ke. Kenya is battling its worst drought in four decades and local officials say the weather is extreme Killing 20 times more elephants than poaching. A recent report published by the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, more than a thousand animals died as a result of drought, including wildebeests, zebras, elephants and buffaloes.
Kaunda said local Kenyan radio station He knew he wanted to take a shot at the orphanage where he would speak in front of the elephants. But he was having trouble completing his report and had already made 10 attempts – all of which failed.
“I kept my distance but I was so focused and didn’t even realize they were getting close,” he said.
At the start of the viral moment, Kaunda, dressed in a T-shirt and a red and navy blue jacket, can be seen standing among several reddish-brown elephants holding a microphone bearing the KBC logo. In the background, Kindani’s trunk is wrapped around one of the other elephants.
“Here we go,” says a soft voice from the camera.
Taking a quick breath, Kaunda focuses her gaze on the camera and starts.
“It is said that philanthropy begins at home,” Kaunda says gravely, “and for these young orphaned elephants, this charity is what they call home.”
When one of the elephants pokes the side of its body with its head, it briefly looks away from the camera but does not stumble. Instead, he gently places his hand on the elephant’s head and imitates it, seemingly determined to get a usable shot.
Kindani, who is now directly behind him, seems to have other plans.
“And with increasing cases of drought, it’s up to us to be the guardians of our own natural world,” says Kaunda, ignoring the elephant trunk scrutinizing its ear closely. It moves towards the top of her head before descending towards the center of her face, forcing her to close her eyes as Kaunda continues to speak stoutly.
But the reporter gives up when Kindani’s trunk starts groping around her nose and mouth. He squirms with a shrill chuckle, and laughs off-camera as the elephant is swiftly pulled back by its trunk.
The interaction, which lasted less than a minute on social media, began to fascinate people from all over the world in a short time.
“Most of us would have lost our professionalism long ago!” Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation tweeted. “An important piece about the drought, but our orphans saw a visitor to investigate!”
The organization “knows exactly what Kindani plans to do” added in another tweetresponds to a Twitter user who pointed to the elephant’s eyes a few minutes before approaching Kaunda. “The side eye is often a harbinger of cheeky behavior.”
Many viewers who came across the stubborn elephant were impressed by Kaunda’s determination.
“I’m amazed how long this reporter can keep his cool,” said one person. tweeted. “I would start laughing at the first touch.”
Another Twitter user applauded journalist, for “incredible professional control”.
“The reporter stayed on course until it was no longer possible,” the person wrote. “I’m glad he’s finally laughing, it’s good for my heart.”
In an interview with the Kenyan radio station, Kaunda described the chest as “tickling”, “[I] I just tried to keep my cool.
“Actually, it didn’t smell at all,” he said. “If it had a bad smell, I’m sure it would have distracted me. It wasn’t normal, but I liked the experience.”
Kaunda, who calls He added that as a “wildlife enthusiast” he hopes to experience more of these encounters, adding that he aims to “get closer” to several animal species. “There are only two left so far; lion and leopard.”
