Car window smashes on giraffe's head at safari park
Animal escapes injury despite shards of glass exploding around its head
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A safari park is investigating after a car window smashed on the head of a giraffe, sending glass shards flying.
The huge animal had put its head inside the car at West Midlands Safari Park when the passenger side window began to wind up.
The glass became stuck against the animal’s cheek, footage shows, before smashing into pieces and causing the giraffe to flinch.
Park workers said the giraffe, named Strider, “sustained no injuries” and was immediately checked over by staff. Managers are investigating, they said in a statement.
Video of the incident shows a woman in a silver hatchback laughing as the giraffe puts its head inside, while the person filming looks on.
It is not clear from the footage why the window begins to rise and a mobile phone is visible in the woman’s right hand.
As the glass suddenly shatters the camera operator turns away and is heard to ask: “Are you all right?”
West Midlands Safari Park said it issued guidance to all visitors on how to feed animals safely.
Its rules said: “Do not allow animals to put their head inside your vehicle. Keep your windows half-shut.
“To stop feeding, turn your hand, drop the feed, and bring your hand back inside your vehicle.”
Animals the park say must not be fed include elephants, ostriches and all carnivores. Giraffes were not on the banned list.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments