The Amazing Stuff

While out on an African safari, you expect to get a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat. The experience offers an up-close look at the beautiful creatures that just can’t be captured in a simple photo, but you probably don’t want to get quite this close to the feisty felines roaming the wilderness.

But sometimes those critters don’t let you make that decision when their curiosity gets the best of them.

This silly cheetah decided to give a group of tourists driving through the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya an extra-special (and slightly terrifying) greeting.

Caters News Agency

Ireland resident Mickey McCaldin locked eyes with the big cat when he made his way toward their ride.

Caters News Agency

The cheetah’s buddies were perfectly content on top of the SUV, but this cutie must have wanted a better look at the strange humans.

Caters News Agency

McCaldin’s friend David Horsey was sitting nearby and captured the tense moment.

Caters News Agency

They were fine with the friendly feline at first, but Horsey explains, “I think he was quite concerned it might try and sit in his lap.”

Caters News Agency

(source Caters News Agency)

The silly cat spent a few minutes riding around with them before jumping out to go about his day. Though he’ll probably forget all about his brief time with his human friends, I’m sure it’s something the tourists will remember for the rest of their lives.

Check out more incredible animal stories in the links below:

When a baby elephant in Kenya was stuck in a water catchment, her elephant family was at a complete loss. They could not fetch their little one out of the water on their own, as it was too deep and too slippery. Elephants are very cognizant creatures, and they operate with strong family bonds, so you can imagine the panic that spread through this herd.

Thankfully, when David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-affiliate Tsavo East KWS received a call about the baby in distress, their regular workday turned into a spectacular one.

When the rescuers arrived on the scene, the elders wouldn’t let the humans anywhere near the baby, even though they were there to help.

Facebook / The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

You can’t really blame them, as there are many humans out there still ruthlessly poaching elephants. How were they to know the difference?

A second vehicle arrived on scene and sectioned off a safe area for the rescuers.

Facebook / The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

They went to work, quickly using harnesses to get the little one far enough out of the water so that she could climb the rest of the way on her own.

As soon as she was able, the baby ran straight to her family.

Facebook / The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Her mother cuddled close to her while the rest of the herd added an extra barrier of protection.

(via The Dodo)

It’s amazing that these elephants let their guard down and trusted the humans. If only all humans would stop giving them such a good reason to be distrustful of us, we could then all help each other out. Elephants and humans function very similarly on the emotional scale, so it’s always great when they work together.

If you’d like to be a part of this growing relationship between man and elephant, you can donate to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here.

For even more elephants, check out the articles below:

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, Africa, is home to almost 6,500 animals who rely on their protection from awful poachers and other predators after their lives.

When rangers came across this little guy, it was clear the baby elephant had accidentally gotten himself lost from his mom and the rest of his herd.

By the time help arrived, the pack of pachyderms had moved over a mile away from the adorable calf.

Facebook / Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

They also noticed a group of over 10 lions had been keeping a close eye on the cutie, probably waiting for the right moment to strike.

Facebook / Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Luckily, the big cats didn’t get a chance with this little guy as the rangers carefully steered him in the direction of his herd.

Facebook / Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

As soon as they were close enough for the mom to see her calf, she trotted over to guide him the rest of the way.

Facebook / Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

(sources Facebook, The Dodo)

Thank goodness these rangers were so quick to come to his aid. Hopefully his mom will scold the youngster about paying closer attention next time. You can help contribute to Lewa’s conservation efforts by learning more and donating over on their website.