Deadly attack - Elephant kills tourist in South African national park
An Elephant trampled a tourist in a National Park in South Africa. The man was from Spain and had gotten out of his car in Pilanesberg to take photos of a group of Elephants with baby animals, reported South African media. Park employees confirmed the fatal attack. The attack had occurred on a Sunday. The Spanish tourist had been severely injured and died in the hospital.
"Visitors must understand that wild animals are wild animals," quoted the newspaper "Citizen" a park employee. Visitors cannot simply leave their vehicle for a Selfie or a better photo, as the animals could feel threatened.
Especially when Elephants or other wild animals believe their young are in danger, dangerous situations can arise. Park rangers warn Safari tourists accordingly not to come between the mother Elephant and the calf with a vehicle. Approaching too close to a group of Elephants can also trigger an attack.
In light of the recent incident, Spain has issued travel advisories for its citizens visiting South African National Parks, especially Pilanesberg. The tragic accident involving an Elephant and a tourist has highlighted the need for caution in wildlife encounters. Spain's embassy in Johannesburg has been actively engaged with local authorities to ensure safety measures are in place for Spanish tourists. Despite the tragedy, South Africa's tourism sector continues to attract visitors from around the world, promising a unique experience filled with diverse wildlife, including the majestic Elephant.
