Cape Town - A Kruger National Park (KNP) field ranger who was trampled by an elephant while on patrol on Tuesday, is still in a critical condition.
SANParks spokesperson Ike Phaahla said preliminary reports suggested that the injured ranger, identified as 57-year-old Joseph Nkuna, who has been working at the KNP for 32 years, was on patrol with his colleagues when a breeding herd of elephants crossed the road in front of them.
Nkuna suffered injuries to his ribs, broken limbs and serious stomach injuries.
“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.
“A helicopter with a doctor and support team on board immediately responded. The injured field ranger was stabilised on the scene and transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, head ranger Catherine Dreyer expressed relief that Nkuna was not fatally wounded and was quickly attended to.
“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 and in some instances, unavoidable, especially with the bush being so thick at this time of the year.
“It makes it difficult to see animals from a distance and have sufficient time to react. We are grateful though that we managed to stabilise our colleague and transport him to 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 stabilising and transporting him under very difficult conditions,” said Dreyer.
Cape Times