Spanish Tourist Killed by Elephants in South Africa While Taking Photos
A Spanish tourist has been killed by elephants in South Africa after leaving the car to take photographs of the herd. The 43 year old man was visiting Pilanesberg National Park with his fiancee and two other people when the attack happened.
From the police report, the tourists had been driving around before they spotted the herd among them three calves. The man got out of the car to take photographs, leaving behind the other occupants. One adult female elephant became agitated and charged at him.
Pieter Nel, conservation manager for the North West province’s Parks and Tourism Authority in charge of the park explained that “He was unfortunately not able to escape or evade the elephant, which was now joined by the whole herd, and was caught and trampled to death.”
Why the attack happened
Elephants can be very aggressive towards humans when they feel threatened. While the tourist was only armed with a camera, the matriarch elephant felt agitated when she saw the man approaching her calves. According to Nel, it is normal behavior for elephants to “defend their young ones.”
Mr Nel adds, “In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks.” One of the rules for tourists visiting the Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve is to remain in their vehicles and keep a distance that allows animals to move freely. “We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”
Speaking to local news outlet Netwerk24, Thami Matshego, chief executive officer of the North West Parks and Tourism Board said, “Despite warnings from his fellow passengers and occupants from two other vehicles that were at the sighting, he (the deceased) unfortunately did not heed their warnings.”
Latest elephant attacks in Africa
Elephant attacks in Africa are not uncommon. Several tourists have sustained injuries or lost their lives. In March this year, an 80-year-old woman from the US died from sustained injuries after an elephant attacked their vehicle during a safari drive in Kafue National Park, Zambia.
In the video that circulated online, the elephant could be seen charging at and flipping over the truck carrying six people.
In the second such attack, a 64-year-old from New Mexico, US died after an elephant attacked their vehicle, threw her out, and trampled her. The car had stopped due to the traffic caused by the elephant herd. Auxensio Daka, a Southern Province Police Commissioner explained to the Zambian national
“Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, of New Mexico, United States of America, died on Wednesday around 17.50 after being knocked from a parked vehicle which had stopped due to traffic caused by elephants around the Maramba Cultural Bridge.”
How to avoid elephant attacks
Although uncommon, elephant attacks on humans are rare. They mostly occur when these largest land mammals feel threatened or disrespected. Here are some ways to avoid confrontations when in elephants’ territory.
- Avoid getting too close to elephants even if you are in a vehicle. They are very powerful and can flip even a truck weighing over 20 tonnes.
- Be aware of your surroundings and move to safety when you spot elephants.
- Make loud noises when an elephant charges at you. Taking cover behind a large tree might be helpful.
- Never get between a calf and a mother elephant. They are very protective of their young ones and this can turtle them badly.
- If you’re visiting a park or reserve with elephants, listen and follow the park rangers’ instructions.
- Strategically placed flood lights or strobe lights can be used to deter elephants at night. They don’t like bright lights.
- Show respect to the elephants when visiting them in their habitats. It’s their home and they will always see you as intruders.
Final thought
Elephants are among the must-see animals for safari goers. When in their territories, its It’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and it’s always best to be cautious around them. Follow the park rules and don’t forget to keep your distance from the elephants even if you want to take close-up photos.
I am a safari enthusiast with a strong passion for wildlife conservation. Growing up surrounded by the savannah landscapes of Africa, I developed a deep connection with nature and wildlife. My experiences range from driving to major lodges to pitching tents in major national parks in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. I strive to bring you genuine, unfiltered experiences that capture the essence of each safari in sub-Saharan Africa.
