In an astonishing encounter, a cat named Simba courageously chased off a four-tonne elephant that wandered into its garden in search of food in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.
The three-year-old feline confronted the enormous creature, unfazed that it was much more extensive and capable of killing humans with a single step.
A striking image reveals the determined tabby standing up to the wild elephant, which retreated empty-trunked, leaving a trail of broken trees in the garden.
Residents identified the 35-year-old elephant as Pai Salick, known for causing disturbances and trampling gardens in search of food.
Park ranger Amnat Norasin explained that Pai Salick often roams around homes at night, and the house owner confirmed that his cat, Simba, is aggressive and territorial.
Approximately 2,000 elephants live in the wild in Thailand, with a similar number in captivity.
These elephants, primarily found in the deep jungle and national parks, often conflict with humans, who use the same areas for farming and gathering food.
Elephants are a protected species in Thailand, with their killing punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of 1,000 baht (£25).
As the country’s national animal, elephants have played a significant role in Thai culture for centuries but became an endangered species in 1986.
The Indian elephant, a subspecies of the Asian elephant, is distinguishable from its African counterpart by its smaller ears and is the type found in Thailand.
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