Melania Trump caught by surprise as baby elephant charges at her on Kenya visit
Security agent leaps into action
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.Danger can come from anywhere when you’re a security agent for the first lady of the United States, even from baby elephants.
Melania Trump, who is visiting Africa on her first extended international solo trip since her husband Donald Trump assumed office, was shoved by one calf while visiting an elephant and rhino orphanage in a Nairobi National Park.
A security agent leapt into action, pulling Ms Trump out of harm’s way, although the disturbance was soon over.
During the visit, Ms Trump fed formula to two of the elephants being raised at the park and reached out to others, patting one’s back and stroking the ear of another.
She also went on safari in the park, taking photos on her phone and peering through binoculars for a closer look at zebras, giraffes, impalas, rhinos and hippos bobbing in water.
She also stopped at a site where 105 tonnes of ivory was burned as part of an effort to discourage the trade.
Earlier this year, Mr Trump decided to once again allow Americans to import body parts of African elephants shot for sport.
Associated Press contributed to this report
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments