While attempting to protect his grandchildren from the rushing elephant on Saturday, a 59-year-old grandfather was sadly trampled to death.
Times Live reported the incident on Sunday, which took place at the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.
The family was taking pictures and films of the elephant when the deadly encounter happened close to the Malelane Gate, a well-known entrance to the park.
The man’s two grandchildren, ages five and eleven, fled when the animal suddenly charged, according to a police statement.
The elephant hit the older child with its trunk when the kids stumbled.
The statement said, “It was during this time when the grandfather went to assist … when the elephant turned and trampled on him before it left them and returned into the Kruger National Park premises.”
The 11-year-old boy was taken to a hospital for treatment after suffering a leg injury, while the guy passed away from his wounds at the site.
South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw verified the occurrence and urged onlookers to respect the family’s grief by not posting images or videos of the tragedy.
“The sensitivity of the matter cannot be overstated.
“The SANParks board and management extend their deepest condolences to the friends and family of the deceased,” he stated.
Louw also promised the public that more information would be made available soon and mentioned that investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
This tragedy is the most recent in a string of deadly encounters with these magnificent animals and highlights their unpredictable nature.
In July 2023, a Spanish tourist was killed in Pilanesberg National Park after getting out of his car to take pictures of a herd of elephants. The matriarch of the group charged and the man was trampled by the other elephants.
Earlier in 2023, an 80-year-old American woman was killed by an elephant while on safari in Zambia. In a well-known case in 2019, a suspected rhino poacher in Kruger National Park met a terrible end when he was trampled by an elephant and then devoured by lions.
According to South Africa-based media, the 20,000 square kilometer Kruger National Park, the country’s largest wildlife reserve, welcomes over a million tourists annually.
The dangers of up-close encounters with wild animals continue to be a problem, despite the fact that its stunning scenery and varied fauna make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, it continued.
The need of following safety precautions, such as staying in cars and maintaining a safe distance from animals, has long been emphasized by park officials.
Louw reaffirmed, “This is a tragic reminder of the dangers of wildlife encounters.”
SANParks has asked visitors to be alert and appreciate the wild’s unpredictable nature as investigations continue.
Louw remarked, “Nature captivates, but it also demands respect.” Recent tragedies have reinforced this attitude, highlighting the thin line separating breathtaking experiences from deadly consequences.