Muthomi Ireri
Elephants trampled a Spanish tourist to death at a South African wildlife reserve after he left his vehicle to photograph a herd, police and local government authorities reported on Tuesday.
The 43-year-old man was killed on Sunday at Pilanesberg National Park in North West province, approximately 180 kilometers (111 miles) from Johannesburg.
The elephant herd included young calves, and wildlife experts frequently caution that elephants are highly protective of their young and can respond aggressively to perceived threats.
The man’s fiancée and two other women, all from Johannesburg, were in the vehicle and remained unharmed.
Piet Nel, acting chief conservation officer for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, emphasized that visitors to Pilanesberg are instructed not to leave their vehicles while driving through the park and must sign forms acknowledging the rules.
“In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks,” Nel said. “We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”
Earlier this year, elephants killed two American tourists in separate incidents in Zambia.
Dj Vnyash
Silverio Omari
