Spanish tourist trampled to death by elephant in South Africa

Tourist dies after getting out of vehicle to take photos of herd of elephants.

And tourist Spaniard died last Sunday after being trampled by a elephant in Pilanesberg National Park, located about 200 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. The 43-year-old man was in the park with his fiancée and two other women when he decided to get out of the vehicle to take photos of a herd of elephants, according to local authorities.

Apparently, the matriarch of the pack felt threatened by the tourist’s presence and attacked him, causing his death.

Dangers of wildlife

Elephant attacks are not uncommon in the region. In fact, in neighbouring Zimbabwe, 50 people were killed and 85 injured by wild animals, mostly elephants, last year.

Park authorities have reminded visitors of the importance of keeping a safe distance from wild animals and of never getting out of vehicles in areas where they are found.

Recommendations for visitors to natural parks:

• Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from wild animals.
• Do not feed the animals.
• Do not get out of the vehicle in areas where wild animals are seen.
• Follow the instructions of the park staff.
• Be aware that wild animals can be unpredictable and dangerous.

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Unfortunate loss

The death of the Spanish tourist is a tragedy that reminds us of the importance of respecting wildlife and taking the necessary precautions to avoid accidents during safaris and other activities in nature.