According to Super Express, an elderly tourist died after being attacked by an elephant in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, January 25, at Malelane Gate, near the Crocodile River, the park's southern entrance.
Reports suggest the man was trying to protect his grandchildren from the charging elephant when the attack happened. South African National Parks Communications Officer JP Louw urged witnesses not to share photos or videos of the incident on social media and withheld further details about the victim.
Elephant attacks remain a serious threat
Elephant attacks are not uncommon in Africa. As reported by Super Express, a Spanish tourist was trampled to death last July after stepping out of his vehicle to take photos in Pilanesberg National Park.
Earlier that year, an 80-year-old American woman was killed when an elephant charged the vehicle she was in at a nature reserve in Zambia.
Neighboring Zimbabwe has experienced the highest number of elephant-related fatalities, with 50 people killed and 85 seriously injured in 2023 alone.
Authorities warn visitors to follow safety guidelines
Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, attracts over a million visitors annually.
Officials continue to stress the importance of following safety protocols, such as staying inside vehicles and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.
While elephants are typically peaceful, they can become aggressive when protecting their young, or if they feel threatened due to illness or injury. Park officials have repeatedly emphasized that respecting wildlife boundaries is crucial to ensuring visitor safety.
