Geoff Mayes, with a mission to highlight the plight of African elephants against poaching, found himself an unwitting co-star during filming.
His furry counterpart, Komo, a baby elephant brimming with energy, seemed to have missed the memo about his on-camera role.
Their setting in Nairobi, Kenya, was picturesque, yet Komo’s adorable interruptions hinted that this segment would be anything but ordinary.
As Geoff launched into his important message, “The problem facing African elephants…,” Komo barged in with a playful nudge.
This sent Geoff off balance but was not enough to dampen his spirits.
The scene was almost comedic, with Geoff trying to maintain professionalism while Komo insisted on being the center of attention.
The tug-of-war between Geoff’s intent to convey a serious message and Komo’s playful antics continued.
Each time Geoff tried to restart, “At the moment we are facing a war against poaching…,” Komo would nudge in.
He was seeking attention and interaction, turning the segment into an impromptu play session.
It’s clear that Komo, weighing in at a hefty 400-500 pounds, had the physicality to disrupt at will.
This wasn’t just a tiny interruption; it was a full-blown takeover by the baby elephant, leading Geoff to casually check with the cameraman if they were still recording amidst the playful chaos.
Attempts to get the segment on track were lovingly thwarted by Komo’s boundless energy, perhaps fuelled by a hearty breakfast.
Geoff, trying to deliver his message, was continuously upstaged by Komo’s innocent pranks, adding a light-hearted flavor to the serious topic at hand.
Finally managing to speak more extensively, Geoff seemed to plead with the audience and Komo to understand the gravity of poaching:
“But until we do something about this poaching problem, we are losing the war.”
Yet, even this solemn moment was quickly lightened by Komo’s playful interruptions.
Geoff, unable to resist the charm of his gentle giant co-star, surrendered to the moment, standing up to engage more directly with Komo.
Their bond was palpable, showing Geoff’s genuine affection and concern for elephants.
The stark reality behind their playful interaction is grim; the ivory trade has devastatingly reduced African elephant numbers from 26 million to as low as 400,000.
The video may have been humorous, but the message it carried was a potent reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts.
People like Geoff, dedicated to the cause, and the existence of wildlife parks provide a glimmer of hope for elephants like Komo, offering them a chance for a safer life, away from the threats of poaching that loom in their natural habitats.
Check out the full adorable moment for yourself in the video below!
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Source: YouTube, National Geographic, WWF
