Cape Town – A recent video of a game ranger losing his cool with a bunch of tourists he’s accompanying on a bush walk has all but gone viral.
The footage posted to YouTube by user Nic During, shows the ranger starting off chirpily giving a quick introduction to the outing.\
However, when one of the camera-wielding tourists makes a beeline for a bush where some unnamed creature lurks to get a closer snap shot, the mood changes dramatically.
UPDATE: That angry game ranger video was a hoax!
The ranger then storms off from his group and starts shouting in Afrikaans, saying he would get someone to send a jeep for the offender to be escorted out of his sight.
While it’s unclear what exactly happens during the short clip, During explains in the description: "My aunt on a walking safari left to the lions. Can't believe this German tourist douche bag."
Now, the ranger’s ‘bos bef*kte’ behaviour has sparked quite a mixed reaction online. While some agree with his outburst wholeheartedly, others have criticised him for leaving the obviously unaccustomed tourists to fend for themselves, as he storms off to find a jeep.
Here are a few of the comments shared by Traveller24 readers in the comment section, on Facebook and Twitter. What are your thoughts?
Rene Kruger - Can ppl be so ignorant regarding wild animals? If that German was killed by the Lion, this ranger would have been in deep shieeeeeet!
Jeroen Janeke - Well done. Tourists dont know the dangers of the bush...
Riaan Roux (Photographer) - My word...I would lose it too. What is with the tourist. This game ranger knows the bush and these animals and this guy comes and does what he likes. He needs to leave the group as he is endangering everyone with his obnoxious behaviour.
Nokuthula Dlamini - I don't blame this ranger, some tourist are very arrogant and through their behaviour put the whole tour group at risk. This poor ranger, I can just imagine the frustration, if something goes wrong he would be blamed and punished or even lose his job. Please give him a break. Did you see how he walked away, lol
Lucille Bester - You go game ranger.... Give that man a bells!
Brian Collins - Like a scene out of a Casper De Vries comedy! Would not feel safe going on a game walk with either of them. The tourist is an idiot and the game ranger cant keep his cool !! Loony tunes !
@News24 He'll be an ex-Game Ranger by this afternoon, I'll bet ??
— CJ in ZA (@cjinza) March 23, 2015
I can understand the Game Ranger's anger and frustration with the tourist but does he just leave the group there and storm off?
— Nicolaas (@nicolaasvrvo) March 23, 2015
@News24. Tourists can b a pain in the arse! Wild animal bites and the put down due to dumb f****** who cannot understand 'WILD'. Doos!!
— monica parker (@mmonicatereza) March 23, 2015
@News24 don't blame the guy some of these tourist are irritating and brain dead
— I am Blessed (@blessed2bmrsb) March 23, 2015
Well, whatever your take on the ranger and his outburst may be, we think it's probably a good time to brush up on a bit of bush etiquette.
Should you head out on a game drive/bush walk any time soon, keep the following five tips in mind for your own and the animals' safety, not to mention you guide's sanity:
1. Obey your guide
This is pretty simple. The wild is no place to be a rebel or a know-it-all. Your guide almost definitely knows more than you about his environment, so respect that. And unless he invites you to disembark from the vehicle or explore a little further into the bush, stay put!
2. Don't get unnecessarily close to animals
Even if it's a sweet-looking bosbok at the picnic spot - wild animals are just that - wild. And unpredictable. You are putting yourself and the creature in harm's way by trying to be overly familiar.
3. LOOK around you
Firstly, you will see amazing things. Secondly, by keeping your eyes peeled, you could avoid potentially dangerous situations, like stepping on a lazy puff adder loath to leave his sunny spot.
4. Be quiet
Of course you can chat and ask questions and talk as you go along, but just don't be loud.
5. Be patient
You're not at the zoo. Some days you might see the big 5 within the first hours. Other days you're not going to see anything for hours. That's what makes it a real wild experience.
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