Tourist trampled to death by elephants in South African park
A forty-three-year-old tourist was trampled to death by elephants in South Africa. "Unfortunately, he did not heed the warnings of his fellow passengers and passengers of two other vehicles," said the North West Parks and Tourism Board of South Africa.
The incident occurred over the weekend in Pilanesberg National Park, located about 200 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg.
He wanted to take a photo, now he's dead
The man was travelling with three other people in his own car through the park. Suddenly, they noticed a small herd of elephants. The 43-year-old decided to take a picture of them, so he got out of the vehicle. To achieve the perfect shot, he approached the elephants, among which were three young ones. The elephants became agitated and reacted immediately, resulting in the man being trampled.
"Unfortunately, he did not heed the warnings of his fellow passengers and passengers of two other vehicles nearby," said the statement from the North West Parks and Tourism Board of South Africa.
The police are already investigating the matter. So far, they have confirmed that the remaining passengers in the car, all from Johannesburg, were not injured.
As local media remind, attempts to defend young elephants are normal behaviour for them. Unfortunately, many tourists play with fate because they are unaware of how dangerous these animals can be. Meanwhile, keeping a distance from elephants is the best way to ensure safety.
They died from elephant attacks
According to PAP, last year, due to wild animal attacks - mainly elephants - as many as 50 people died in neighbouring Zimbabwe, and 85 were injured.
This year in Zambia, elephants have killed at least two tourists from the United States, and on average, 12 people die each year for this reason.
Tourists most often fall prey to elephants in Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Zambia.
