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A Spanish tourist was trampled to death by elephants at Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa after he left his vehicle to take photographs of a herd, authorities reported on Tuesday.
The 43-year-old man was killed on Sunday at the reserve in North West province, approximately 180 kilometers (111 miles) from Johannesburg. The herd included young calves, and wildlife experts often warn that elephants are particularly protective of their young and can react aggressively to perceived threats.
Police confirmed that the man’s fiancée and two other women, all from Johannesburg, were in the vehicle but remained unharmed.
Piet Nel, acting chief conservation officer for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, emphasized that visitors to Pilanesberg are instructed not to leave their vehicles while driving through the park and are required to sign forms acknowledging these rules. “In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks,” Nel said. “We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”
Earlier this year, elephants killed two American tourists in separate incidents in Zambia, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by wildlife in the region.
