Field ranger severely injured in Kruger National Park elephant attack

Field ranger severely injured in Kruger National Park elephant attack Photos: Stock/Canva/KNP

Field ranger severely injured in elephant attack in Kruger National Park

A field ranger was severely injured when an elephant charged and attacked him while he was on patrol in the Pretoriuskop Section.

Field ranger severely injured in Kruger National Park elephant attack

Field ranger severely injured in Kruger National Park elephant attack Photos: Stock/Canva/KNP

A field ranger was severely injured when an elephant charged and attacked him while he was on patrol in the Pretoriuskop Section.

THE FIELD RANGER WAS SEVERELY INJURED ON TUESDAY MORNING

SANParks spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said the attack happened on Tuesday at around 08:00.

“An elephant had severely injured a Field Ranger while he was on patrol in the Pretoriuskop Section, in the south-western part of Kruger National Park (KNP).”

Phaahla said preliminary reports suggest that the injured Field Ranger was on patrol with his colleagues when a breeding herd of elephants crossed the road in front of them.

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THE FIELD RANGER WAS ON PATROL

“One of the elephants turned back and charged the Field Ranger, which resulted in him sustaining serious injuries. His colleagues managed to rescue him by firing a warning shot at the elephant, which ran off, and they were able to immediately call for help.”

Isaac Phaahla

A helicopter with a doctor and support team on board immediately responded.

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A HELICOPTER WITH A DOCTOR RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY

He furthermore said the injured Field Ranger was stabilised on the scene and transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital for further medical attention.

“These are the daily dangers that we face in protecting our natural heritage and the Park from all wildlife crime. The possibility of being attacked by a dangerous wild animal is always present and, in some instances, unavoidable, especially with the bush being so thick during this time of the year.

“It makes it difficult to see animals from a distance and has sufficient time to react. We are grateful, though that we managed to stabilise our colleague and transport him to the hospital, and we have him and his family in our prayers. We would also like to thank all Field Rangers who were with him at the time and assisted in stabilizing and transporting him under very difficult conditions.”

Head Ranger Catherine Dreyer said

According to Phaahla, the name of the injured Field Ranger will be withheld until his family has been formally notified.

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THE NAME OF THE INJURED RANGER WILL BE WITHHELD UNTIL HIS FAMILY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED

“The Rangers Corps will compile a debriefing report into the incident as per protocol, and the results thereof will be furnished to the KNP Management Committee. Ranger Services are continually looking at ways to improve the safety of Rangers on patrol.”

Isaac Phaahla

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