Hello everyone! Let’s dive into a tragic and cautionary tale from South Africa.
A Spanish tourist has reportedly been “trampled to death” by elephants in Pilanesberg National Park, located just outside Johannesburg. The 43-year-old man met this unfortunate fate while trying to get close to the majestic creatures for photographs.
According to police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone, the man had stopped his vehicle and approached the elephants to take pictures. He was accompanied by his fiancée during this ill-fated endeavor.
Officials from the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) provided further details, revealing that a female elephant charged at the man, and he couldn’t escape. The herd joined in, and the man was tragically trampled to death.
Pictured: Tourist trampled to death by elephants in front of his fiancee after getting out of his car to photograph them at South African game reserve https://t.co/AYluZ2Sj9W pic.twitter.com/zNSzLRLVCB
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 10, 2024
The elephants, after the incident, moved away without showing aggression towards other nearby vehicles and eventually disappeared into the bushes. NWPTB Chief Conservation Officer Pieter Nel explained that the female elephant likely became agitated upon seeing the man approach the herd, particularly if there were young ones to protect. Nel stressed that many tourists are unaware of the dangers these animals can pose.
Safari horror as Spanish tourist is trampled to death by elephants https://t.co/XjsOsFfpo8 via @MailOnline
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) July 9, 2024
The tourist’s fiancée and two other women traveling with them were unharmed. This incident underscores the importance of following park guidelines, which recommend that visitors keep their windows closed and remain inside their vehicles while driving through areas inhabited by wild animals.
According to Fox News:
NWPTB Chief Conservation Officer Pieter Nel said the female elephant became “agitated” by seeing the man approaching the herd and that it’s normal for them to try to “defend the young ones.”
“Lots of tourists are oblivious to the dangers and do not realize how dangerous these animals can be,” Nel said to the AFP.