Tragically, elephants in a South African game reserve kill a Spanish tourist.
Tragically, elephants in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park trampled and killed a 43-year-old Spanish tourist. On a Sunday morning, the man, his fiancée, and two others were visiting the park when the incident occurred.
The local police said that while exploring the park in their car, the group came across a herd of elephants, including three young ones. The man got out of the car and went over to the herd, intending to take pictures. Because of this, the matriarch elephant became hostile and charged at him. The individual was trampled when the herd followed suit.
The traveller died from his wounds despite being taken to the hospital quickly. The incident did not harm his companions, who were all citizens of Johannesburg. The police have initiated an investigation.
Pilanesberg is one of more than a million annual visitors to South Africa’s national parks. Park authorities stress the significance of following safety protocols. North West Parks and Tourism Board CEO Thami Matshego told Netwerk24 that these measures are necessary. Constant reminders are made to visitors to stay in their vehicles, keep a safe distance from animals and only exit in approved places.
The local tourism board’s Pieter Nel said that elephants’ protective behaviour is typical, especially when they are defending their young. Tragically, the deceased did not listen to the warnings of his companions and close guests, leading to the situation in question.
Even while elephant assaults are rare, they do happen, and they make people think twice about approaching wild animals. All park visitors are strongly encouraged to observe the rules for their own safety and to refrain from interfering with the animals’ natural habits.
