When you visit a zoo or a safari park, it’s always best to follow the guidance given to you. Humans might be the apex species on Earth right now, but we’re still far from invulnerable when it comes to wild animals. For one group of Georgia tourists, a casual visit turned into something a little more thrilling than they bargained for when they got up close and personal with zebras and ostriches at Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari.
The three women were riding through the park in their car, enjoying the sights, when they decided to feed the zebras. Bad move. Unlike horses, which they resemble at first glance, zebras have a far less agreeable temperament. The moment they caught sight of food, the animals swarmed the car, crowding around and jostling for a chance to get a bite. Not satisfied with a few handfuls tossed their way, several zebras stuck their heads right into the car, lunging for the feed bags in the woman’s hands.
In the video of the encounter, you can hear the women screaming, half out of fear and half out of exhilaration, as the zebras pushed their faces deeper inside the vehicle. Fortunately, the animals weren’t interested in hurting anyone; they just wanted the food. Still, the experience was unnerving. Face to face with creatures powerful enough to cause real harm, the Georgia women instinctively leaned away from the open windows, pressing against each other in the cramped space.
As if the zebras weren’t enough, a group of ostriches soon joined in, drawn by the smell of food. With their long necks and sharper aim, the birds had even better luck snatching snacks away from the women. At one point, the car itself took some damage, as the window seal on the front passenger side was left half torn off after the chaotic scramble.
Online reactions to the video were mixed. Many Reddit users found the whole scene hilarious, laughing along at the women’s shrieks and nervous laughter. Others were less amused, pointing out the obvious solution. “Roll your f***ing windows up, idiots,” one commenter wrote.
Some also raised more serious concerns, noting that zebras aren’t harmless grazing animals but notoriously aggressive and capable of serious injuries. “Zebras are notorious for causing lots of injuries to zookeepers. Don’t mess with zebras and certainly don’t put your hands near their mouths if you want to be able to count to ten,” another user warned.
