Outrage after video shows tourist pouring beer into elephant’s trunk in Kenya, probe ordered

The conservancy has reiterated that Bupa, the elephant involved, remains in good health. (Image: X/@XposeTrophyHunt)

A Spanish visitor to Kenya was placed under investigation after a video emerged showing him pouring beer into the trunk of a domesticated elephant at a private wildlife conservancy.

The footage, which has since been removed from social media, was originally posted by the man under the Instagram name @skydive_kenya. In the clip, he was seen drinking from a can of Tusker, a well-known Kenyan beer brand, before tipping the remaining contents into the trunk of an elephant named Bupa.

The incident occurred last year at Ol Jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County, central Kenya, but came to wider public attention only recently after Kenyans condemned the tourist’s actions. The video had been captioned: “Just a tusker with a tusked friend.”

Staff at the conservancy expressed dismay at the episode. One employee, speaking to the BBC, said: “This should never have happened. We’re a conservation [site] and we can’t allow that to happen. We don’t even allow people to go near the elephants.”

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that the matter was being pursued. Spokesperson Paul Udoto said a formal inquiry had been initiated to establish the identity of the individual, who does not use his real name on his online accounts.

Last month, Ol Jogi Conservancy released a statement on its Facebook page, confirming that the elephant was unharmed but condemning the behaviour. “Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy is aware of a video resurfacing showing an individual feeding beer to one of our habituated elephants. Bupa, the elephant shown in the video, has lived at Ol Jogi for many years,” the statement read.

It added: “We take matters like this extremely seriously and remain committed to ensuring the well-being and dignity of the animals in our care.”

Following the circulation of the clip, many social media users called for penalties against the tourist. One person wrote: “He should be fined and deported. End of holiday. And named.” Another commented: “Ban this dude from all wildlife venues for life.”

Others stressed the broader principle of respecting wildlife. A third user said: “Every animal on this planet deserves to feel safe and respected!!! This is absolutely disturbing, shameful, horrifying, and unacceptable.”

The conservancy has reiterated that Bupa, the elephant involved, remains in good health.