A Spanish tourist was trampled to death by elephants at a South African wildlife reserve after leaving his vehicle to take photographs.
The police and local authorities reported on Tuesday that the 43-year-old man was killed on Sunday at Pilanesberg National Park in North West province, approximately 180 kilometers (111 miles) from Johannesburg.
The elephant herd included young calves. Wildlife experts frequently warn that elephants are particularly protective of their young and can react aggressively to perceived threats.
Police stated that the man’s fiancée and two other women, all from Johannesburg, were also in the vehicle but were unharmed.
The Acting chief conservation officer for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Piet Nel said that guests at Pilanesberg are instructed not to leave their vehicles while driving through the park and are required to sign forms acknowledging the 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.”
Elephants have also killed two American tourists this year in separate incidents in Zambia.
