Elephant clear winner in staring contest with safari tracker; video

A safari guide and tracker known for his steely nerves during close wildlife encounters could not help but break into a giant smile while being inspected by a curious elephant.

“An inquisitive elephant gets acquainted with legendary Pondoro tracker Eric,” Pondoro Game Lodge described Thursday via Instagram.

The accompanying footage shows the elephant probing with its trunk while seemingly engaged in a staring contest with the tracker, who is seated prominently at the front of the vehicle.

Muffled laughter is picked up in the audio, but finally, Eric turns toward the camera with the broadest of smiles.

“Does Eric ever get nervous with these encounters?” one follower asked.

Pondoro’s reply: “No, he is quite chilled most of the time.”

Being “chilled” is a key requirement for a tracker who is routinely up close with and exposed to not only elephants but lions, leopards, and other large and potentially dangerous animals.

Pondoro Game Lodge is a luxury safari facility on the banks of the Olifants River within the Greater Kruger National Park.