Field ranger hospitalised in Kruger National Park after elephant attack

Posted by Tsoku Maela on 21 December 2022

A field ranger was airlifted to hospital after he was trampled by an elephant on Tuesday, 21 December.

Field ranger hospitalized in Kruger National Park elephant attack

According to TimesLive, SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla said the ranger was on patrol in the Pretoriuskop Section, in the southwestern part of KNP.

‘The incident took place shortly after 8 am in the morning. Preliminary reports suggest the injured field ranger was on patrol with his colleagues when a breeding herd of elephants crossed the road in front of them,’ said Phaahla.

‘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.’

Head ranger Catherine Dreyer reiterated the dangers of a field ranger’s work while expressing relief for the outcome of the situation.

‘These are the daily dangers 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. 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,’ she said.

The ranger was stabilized on the scene by paramedics and transported by ambulance for further examination.

Picture: Getaway gallery

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