Safari guide shares his views

Darryn Pennings, a Safari guide, gives perspective on the Lion Park attack on 1 May.

The attack resulted in an American women passing away and a field guide being treated at Fourways Life Hospital.

Darryn Pennings has been a fully trained Safari guide for the last three years. The driver was a tour operator from Kalabash Tours and one could question his responsibility for his client’s safety. Pennings said, “When receiving training to be a tour operator; the pivotal point is that of our guests’ safety – this takes one year.”

He further explained that during the training, one is assessed on how far they push an animal and how they monitor their guest’s safety. “Going on reports that the man was a Safari guide, I personally feel that by receiving the same training as we all do, he would have put his client’s safety above all else. He should have monitored the environment around him and that includes the opening of a window.”

As a Safari guide, Pennings added that he was trained in animal behaviour. He also received classes in advanced biological study of plants, animals and other living organisms. Training in advanced rifle handling which is revised every month is also provided. “I have seen strange incidents in my career. During my tours of the Kruger National Park, I witnessed people climbing onto the roofs of their cars to get a better view of wild animals. This is really dangerous,” said Pennings.

According to Pennings, the lioness reacted as it would do naturally. “Most lions are naturally attracted to the movement whether it was the window or even [the woman’s] body.” Bearing this in mind, Pennings added that a lioness’ full charging speed is 22m per second. “It is not a common thing for lions to kill humans. If they see something as a predator or a threat to their pride or competition for food, they will attack,” Pennings added.

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