Tourists Were Enjoying Safari Trip. In the 'Blink of an Eye,' Elephant Guarding Babies Charged at Them

Two tourists are speaking out after an elephant protecting her young calves began charging at them while they were on a canoe safari trip in Africa. The incident happened on Sept. 27 in Botswana’s Okavango Delta as canoes were carrying British and American tourists, The Times reported. Speaking with Good Morning America, Jeff Melvin and Larry Unrein said that their safari adventure was incredible until they came across a herd of elephants. "We kept telling that they were kind of getting a little annoyed at our presence," Melvin said. "Then just in the blink of an eye, things kind of changed." "What we did not see was the mom with the two babies," Unrein added. "They were hidden in some tall grass, but out of sight." As captured in dramatic video footage, the mother elephant rapidly traveled through the reeds and approached the tourist group, knocking and flipping over two canoes that sent two couples into waters infested with crocodiles, according to The Telegraph. "The first thought that came to my mind was, 'This is the end of me,' " Melvin told GMA. The footage showed the elephant, which may have weighed 10,000 pounds, knocking down a female tourist into the waters with her trunk, and then briefly pinning her before giving up, the outlet reported. Thankfully, the woman managed to get back up and was helped by her husband. Melvin and Unrein said they escaped with the help of their guides. Meanwhile, Ron Magill, a representative for Zoo Miami, explained to GMA that the woman is lucky to be alive. "That patron was incredibly lucky that this happened in the water, because generally speaking, elephants, what they do when they go after somebody, is they literally try to mash them into the ground," he added. Magill also warned that elephants who are protecting their calves are dangerous because they are "incredibly protective." "It's important that people understand you need to respect distance," the spokesperson added. "You need to give animals distance." Today, Melvin and Unrein said they are grateful they survived the ordeal. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I thought for sure I was dead," Unrein said. "And then once I was safe, it was just jubilation. I was very happy to be alive." According to National Geographic, the Okavango Delta is described as a “haven for wildlife” and “one of the most magnificent natural spectacles you can experience.” In addition to elephants, the delta is home to such animals as buffalos, hippos and antelopes.