Watch | Heart-stopping moment in Kaziranga: Jeep safari turns into narrow escape from rhino!

A mother and daughter duo, on what was meant to be a relaxing jeep safari in Assam's Kaziranga National Park—famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses—found themselves in the midst of a heart-stopping ordeal.

Their thrilling adventure quickly turned into a tense situation that could have ended tragically.

Horrible incident at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

Two women fell off a safari jeep as a rhino could be seen in very close proximity. Moments later, a second rhino came running towards another jeep safari, forcing it to take a reverse gear.

The women escaped unharmed… pic.twitter.com/6s9zz8WHSZ

— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) January 6, 2025

A viral video, though undated, has caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and netizens alike, showing just how narrowly the incident was avoided. The footage highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and reinforces the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during such excursions.

In the video, a rhinoceros calmly walked behind another jeep as three others, filled with tourists eager to experience the wild, abruptly attempted to flee the area.

In their haste, the first two jeeps made sharp turns, causing a young girl and her mother to fall out onto the ground. Their cries for help echoed across the park, amplifying the urgency of the moment.

In response to the incident, the Kaziranga National Park administration, according to the reports, has launched a thorough investigation, stressing the need for tourists to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols during their safari trips.

This serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable risks that come with wildlife safaris.

Kaziranga National Park has seen an extraordinary surge in tourist arrivals, achieving its highest visitor count in two decades. According to an official report to PTI, the park has welcomed 1,64,636 visitors since its seasonal opening in October 2024.

The park has generated a revenue of ₹43,226,225 from entry fees, underscoring its status as a prime destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Traditionally open from October to May, the park then closes for the monsoon season.

In October 2024, Kaziranga saw 30,058 tourists, a significant jump from the 17,271 visitors the previous year. The numbers continued to rise through November, with 53,367 visitors, compared to 35,006 in 2023. By December, the park welcomed 81,211 tourists, up from 65,139 the previous year.

These figures not only demonstrate the park’s growing appeal but also emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of both visitors and the park's wildlife as tourism continues to increase.

As Kaziranga's popularity soars, maintaining stringent safety measures becomes even more critical to protecting the natural environment and providing safe experiences for visitors.