Tourists on a safari in  Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, recently enjoyed an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

While their vehicle was halted by a herd of elephants blocking the path, a curious elephant calf approached their truck, delighting the visitors by playfully sticking its trunk through the bars in search of food.

The young elephant appeared unfazed by the presence of people, instead engaging with the onlookers by dangling its trunk inside the vehicle.

Elephant calves, typically weighing around 250 pounds at birth, rely on their mothers for care and sustenance during their early months. They identify their mothers through touch, scent, and sound, as their vision is initially poor.

During the first few months, calves remain close to their mothers, nursing for about two years while gradually exploring solid foods like plants and fruits starting at around four months.

However, they often struggle to control their trunks at first, sometimes swinging them aimlessly or even stepping on them. By the time they are a year old, their trunk coordination significantly improves.

Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary for some of the planet’s most remarkable wildlife. Located in the heart of Assam, it serves as one of the few regions in eastern India largely untouched by human activity.

The park is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, panthers, bears, and various bird species.

Visitors can explore the park through jeep safaris, available from November 1 to April 30, with potential opportunities from May to October, depending on weather and road conditions.

For those lucky enough to encounter the park’s playful residents, like this cheeky calf, it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime.