A Spanish tourist was tragically trampled to death by an elephant after leaving his vehicle to photograph a small herd at Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa, officials reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the popular reserve, located approximately 200 kilometers (130 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. According to park officials, the 43-year-old man, his fiancée, and two female companions were driving through the park when they spotted three elephants accompanied by three calves.
Police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone stated, “Reports suggest that the man stopped the vehicle, alighted, and went closer to the elephants to take pictures. The elephants allegedly attacked and killed him.”
Pieter Nel, chief conservation officer at the North West province’s Parks and Tourism Board, explained that the matriarch of the herd became “agitated” and attacked upon seeing the tourist approach, describing the behavior as a defensive response to protect the young elephants.
“Lots of tourists are oblivious to the dangers and do not realize how dangerous these animals can be,” Nel told AFP.
The deceased tourist was identified as a Spanish national, while his companions, all from Johannesburg, were unharmed. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Elephant attacks are not uncommon in the region. In 2021, a suspected poacher was killed by elephants in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Last year, 50 people were killed and 85 injured by wild animals, predominantly elephants, in neighboring Zimbabwe, according to local authorities.
Pilanesberg and other South African parks routinely advise visitors to keep their vehicle windows closed and to remain inside their vehicles while driving through the reserves.
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