Elephant trampling incident sparks warning

While there may be a temptation to get a closer glimpse at wildlife during visits to game reserves, travellers are warned not to get out of their vehicles during game drives.

This is owing to the dangerous and unpredictable nature of wild animals.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Man alights from vehicle, runs into bush from elephant in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

The warning comes after a recent tragic incident where a Spanish tourist was trampled by a herd of elephants at Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in the North West this past Sunday.

The nature reserve is situated alongside the popular Sun City Resort tourism spot.

According to reports, the man decided to alight from the vehicle and approach the elephants on foot, taking pictures.

ALSO READ: Elephant lifts car ‘like rugby players in a line-out’ in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

An adult elephant cow charged at the man, who then ran from it.

He was not able to escape or evade the elephant, which was now joined by its entire herd, and was trampled to death.

The NW Parks and Tourism Board said tourists are forever educated on the importance of remaining in the safety of their vehicle, respecting distance between them and animals, as well as to allow animals the first right of passage and only alight in specially designated areas.

In a similar incident locally, a video shot in 2022 of a man jumping out of his vehicle and running into the bush as an adult bull elephant approached his car in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) sparked much debate and warnings from the local authorities.

While the man was unharmed, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said the appropriate action is to keep a distance from the elephants and reverse to maintain a safe distance.

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