My favourite news story of the week appeared this morning. I really like giraffes, and even had an ‘up close and personal’ meeting with one last year,
but I just can’t imagine how this South African guy must have felt when he saw a young one galloping straight towards him as he was slowly driving through a Safari estate in his opened topped sport car. It ran right over his car with one hoof hitting his bonnet, and another just missing his head. You can see the full story here: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Bloem-giraffe-does-BMW-leap-20130618
Luckily, neither he nor the giraffe were injured, but the car didn’t come out unscathed. Imagine contacting your insurance and claiming for giraffe damage. 🙂
Anotherdayinparadise2's Blog 
I heard about this. We self drove through Kruger. Thinking of going again. We got charged by an elephant. The giraffes were peaceable.
You have a wonderful blog and are enjoying life! Kudos. We are sisters in this!
It’s a wonderful world!
What a face! And story. Oh my.
Thanks, Ruth. I thought it was worth sharing. 🙂
He he he it was going to kiss you 🙂 Amazing shot. Thank you dear AD, love, nia
Not if I could help it, Nia. 😀 Have a wonderful day my dear friend.
That must have been a scary experience…and yet, it must have looked quite comical.
*hugs*
Yes, I bet it did, Hopestar. It would have been great if someone had been right there to video it. It would have gone viral. 😀
Great visual that had me laughing. My son is in the insurance industry and he tells some pretty wild stories regarding animal encounters. I pretty sure no Giraffe encounters though.
Our zoo has a wonderful herd of Giraffes and my daughter and I love to feed them. The babes are just too cute.
Well there’s always a first time for everything, Ingrid. Never say “never.” 😀
I am glad both human and animal made it unscathed. As for the car, too bad it was damaged, but it can be replaced (even by an incredulous insurer). 🙂
Hahaha…. I’m sure the insurance company probably has had similar claims in Africa. 🙂
Oh my…that must have been scarey to watch the fellow galloping towards the car! at least he now has a great story to tell… 🙂
Yes, I can’t imagine just how scary, Heather. Glad it ended well. 🙂
That is so funny – but not 😦
Hehehe Couldn’t resist sharing. 🙂
I suppose that situation is similar to potential alligator damage some cars could suffer here.
Hey nice nose on the big fella Sylvia! 🙂
Very true, Phil. I’d best keep my ‘Ferrari’ well away from your swamp. 😆
My sister has 2 giraffes on her farm in Bloemfontein.. They are beautiful and gracefull!!!
They are indeed, Lisa. I can’t imagine owning even one giraffe, let alone, two. 🙂
I would love to have seen what he wrote on his insurance claim
Yes, me too. 🙂
hahaha … that is one BIG Giraffe. I suppose he didn’t like the polution from his car.
Great close-up.
Thanks, Issy. Yes, maybe you’re right. He was protesting against the petrol fumes. 🙂
What an adventure. Only in Africa… 🙂
Indeed, Amy. 🙂
I love giraffes and I’m so glad she was okay, thank godness the guy wasn’t going any faster.
Me too, Issy. Yes, all’s well that ends well, and at least he had a tale to tell. 🙂
WHOA! Everybody came out a winner in that episode…thank goodness!!!
Yes, I love happy endings, Suzanne. 🙂
🙂 Me too! That could have been just terrible!
Too true – only in Africa 😀
Glad you agree, Susan. We do have some exclusivity here. 🙂
What an unexpected adventure. (It would NEVER happen in Seattle!)
I’m sure you’re right about that, Naomi. 🙂
Or Hartlepool! 🙂
Well, maybe on a Sunday. Happy days!
You just couldn’t make that up, so the insurance agent would believe his story right? That is pretty incredible.
Yes, you’re so right about that. It’s such a crazy story that they’d have to believe him. 🙂
I think the insurance company would have an easier time with the claim in South Africa than in Los Angeles….. uh, I was driving down the freeway when this giraffe….
I so love giraffs and this story made me giggle. I just can’t imagine calling the insurance company and explaining this one♥
Glad I made you smile today, Laurie. 🙂
My parents went on safari and saw something similar with an elephant – funny! Great pic, I love giraffes.
Thanks so much, Catherine. I believe elephants are no respecters of tourists’ cars. 😀
I love giraffes, they are such big beauties. That really was a special story about meetings 🙂 // Glad that there was no damage on the giraffe or the man // Maria
Thanks, Maria. Yes, it’s quite a fun story with a happy ending. 🙂
That was quite a story! Giraffes are magnificent animals but I’m afraid I would not want to see one so up-close and personal!
They are really quite gentle, and I love having this one eating out of my hand, even though his tongue did feel rather rough. 😀
My Goodness! Glad you are ok. I would have taken advantage of the encounter to take a photo as well. 🙂
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, Francine. I’m glad it wasn’t me in the car. It must have been rather scary. 😯
That opening pic said “Well, hello there.”
Absolutely, Frank. 😀
That is a very close encounter. Exciting indeed. Love giraffes. Beautiful and graceful creatures.
Yes they are beautiful creatures, IT. I feel very privileged to have been able to meet one face to face, but I wouldn’t want one on top of my car. 🙂
I guess that Giraffe is not a BMW fan. 😀 Lovely post AD. *hugs*
Hahaha……I think you’re right, Sonel. 🙂
😀
How wonderful !!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂
That would be an interesting claim.
Definitely so. 🙂
A closer encounter than he bargained for! I ‘d have kept the dent too 😀
Hehehe….Yes, I would be tempted not to get it fixed for a while at least, just until the novelty wore off. 🙂
LOL Bet he —– himself 🙂
Hahaha. 🙂
This is not unknown I believe… heard of it happening in Kruger and elsewhere… had one chase me in Rhodesia and I was on foot… thank God for big thorn trees… couldn’t get near me… as for the insurance claim.. it could end up on their funny claims page…
See you are back in the hammock.. must be nice and warm in KZN…
I hope you didn’t have to climb up a big thorn tree to get away from him. 😯 Yes it’s quite mild here for the time of year. My feet are cold though. 😦
Beautiful post my dear fiend have nice day!
Thank you so much, Stefan. 🙂
My sympathy is with the guy. Had a giraffe trip over my car in Kruger – but it had reason – being chased by lions. 🙂
Yikes! That must have been rather scary for you as well as the giraffe. 😯
I think giraffes are the most amazing looking animals. You couldn’t dream them up.
Yes they are, Debra. 😀
Great story AD. Good job it was a low car and not a 4×4 😀
This is true, Chris. 🙂
I can only imagine!!!
Now, the whole of America will think again that we share our daily lives with giraffes and elephants 😉
No doubt at all. 😆
Probably not any more than all of Africa thinks we share our daily lives with idiotic movie stars and rappers 😉
I’m sure that many people in Africa are so envious of your close proximity to their idols, Gunta. 😆
that definitely provided a belly laugh… 😀
So good for your tummy muscles, Gunta. Justin Bieber is such a hit over here. Duh!! 😯
Oh My Gosh!! That is unreal. Glad they are both okay, but what an experience!!
Hugs Paula xxx
Indeed, Paula. A story to dine out on for sure. I think I’d leave the dent in my car, just to show people. 🙂 Hugs to you too. xx
Haha! Excellent idea. X