Video: Giraffe attacks safari jeep full of tourists
This video shows the moment a group of terrified safari tourists were attacked in their jeep by a two-and-a-half tonne giraffe.
The animal galloped after the group, caught up with them, kicked at the driver and knocked off the right wing-mirror of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The 13ft giant chased and barged the vehicle through two miles of South African savannah, in scenes reminiscent of of the T-Rex in hit movie Jurassic Park.
The dramatic footage was captured by cameraman Rainer Schimpf, who said: "There was laughter; then tension; then fear."
The giraffe saw the game vehicle miles away and started walking to it, intimidating the passengers.
Once the guests started feeling uncomfortable, the driver took off.
Schimpf added: "Once he caught up with the car in a gallop the giraffe kicked at the driver and knocked off the right wing-mirror."
The driver, who was unhurt, stopped and backed up.
It is well-known in the park for its odd behaviour but had never attacked humans before. It is thought a hormonal imbalance triggered the attack.
The relieved passengers - who included German tourist Silke Ptaszynski, South Africans Sarene Carter and Mavis Carter, and driver Trevor - were able to laugh about their experience back at camp.
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