‘Unacceptable’ Footage of Man Pouring Beer Down a Wild Elephant’s Trunk Resurfaces, Causing Outrage

Footage of Man Pouring Beer Down Elephant’s Trunk Sparks Outrage

A video resurfacing where a man is seen pouring beer down an elephant’s trunk within a Kenyan conservancy has once again stirred up outrage. Reports from the BBC and U.K. newspaper The Times indicate that the footage dates back to 2024, showing a man consuming Tusker beer from a can before feeding the remaining drink to the elephant through its trunk. The caption accompanying the now-deleted @Skydive_Kenya Instagram clip read, “Just a tusker with a tusked friend,” as confirmed by the BBC, which has reviewed screengrabs from the removed video. The incident occurred at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Nanyuki, Kenya, and initially sparked public outcry when it first emerged. The concerns were reignited when the video resurfaced in August 2025.

In response to the renewed backlash, the Ol Jogi Conservancy issued a statement assuring the public that the matter had been addressed internally last year. The conservation acknowledged that the elephant featured in the clip, named Bupa, has resided at the Ol Jogi Conservancy for numerous years and is well cared for as an ambassador for conservation efforts. The conservancy condemned the behaviour depicted in the video as “unacceptable, dangerous, and entirely against our values,” emphasizing their commitment to upholding the welfare and dignity of the animals under their care.

Authorities at the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy elaborated that they have taken the incident seriously and remain dedicated to the protection of the animals within their premises. The conservancy expressed regret over the occurrence, stressing their vigilance in ensuring such actions are not repeated. Additionally, the Ol Jogi Conservancy affirmed that Bupa the elephant, the subject of the controversial video, is in good health and continues to be monitored closely by their team.

Following public outcry, inquiries were made to several relevant organisations, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the National Police Service, for additional comments on the incident. Personnel at the conservancy underscored that the incident was a clear violation of their protocols, emphasizing their commitment to conservation ideals that prohibit such inappropriate interactions with the wildlife on the premises.

Media reports also highlighted the individual involved in the controversial video, noting that the same person had shared clips on the Skydive_Kenya Instagram page showing close interactions with various wild animals. Prompting calls for his expulsion from the country, the man had disobeyed guidelines by handling animals at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including a video of him feeding carrots to a rhinoceros. Officials at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy reinforced that the individual had infringed on established rules by inappropriately engaging with the wildlife.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible interaction with wildlife in conservancies and the need to uphold ethical standards in conservation practices. Such incidents not only pose risks to the animals’ well-being but also undermine the principles of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. It underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to strict guidelines to safeguard the welfare of animals in conservation settings.

In conclusion, the outcry sparked by the resurfaced video highlights the significance of upholding ethical practices in wildlife conservation efforts. The incident serves as a cautionary tale against inappropriate interactions with animals in conservation reserves, promoting a collective responsibility to protect and preserve wildlife for future generations. Efforts to enforce stringent guidelines and uphold ethical standards are paramount in ensuring the well-being and dignity of the animals under human care in conservation settings.