[imagesource:animaliabio]

A Spanish tourist has been trampled to death by elephants after climbing out of his car to take photos of the herd at the Pilanesberg National Park in the West.

The 43-year-old man and his fiancé had allegedly been driving in their own vehicle when they stopped to take pictures of an elephant calf.

A spokesman for the local tourism board, Piet Nel, said the matriarch of the herd became visibly ‘agitated’ when the man approached them and stormed at him.

“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.”

“An adult elephant cow charged at the man, who then ran from the elephant. 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.”

He was transported to a nearby hospital after the incident but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Thami Matshego, CEO of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, said tourists are urged to remain in their vehicles when visiting the park.

“Tourists are constantly reminded about the importance of staying inside their vehicles when visiting the park, and to keep a good distance between animals and their vehicles and give animals a chance to move freely, and to only get out of vehicles in safely designated areas.”

The board offered its condolences to the deceased man’s family and friends, saying it was “very saddened by this tragic incident”.

The attacking elephant was part of a breeding group at the park and merely followed her natural instinct to protect the calf. The park confirmed no action will be taken against the elephant.

With more than a million visitors flocking to South Africa’s nature reserves every year, tourists should remain mindful that these animals are in their natural environment and will protect their young.

Last year 50 people were killed and 85 injured by wild animals – mostly elephants – in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

[source:iol&theguardian]