Dangerous Animal Incidents
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
https://letabaherald.co.za/66365/knp-2- ... lane-camp/
KNP: 2-year-old mauled to death by leopard in Malelane camp
Kruger National Park (KNP) can confirm that a leopard killed a staff member’s son last night, 5 June at the Malelane technical services living quarters.
about 1 hour ago
“The toddler was only two and a half years old. The incident took place at 20:00 and the boy was certified dead by doctors at the Shongwe hospital after being rushed there by family members,” Ike Phaala, spokesperson for KNP said.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African National Parks, Fundisile Mketeni has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, saying: “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time, we wish them strength and will give them all the support they need as an organisation. It is never easy to lose a loved one especially under such tragic circumstances. This is the risk we live with on a daily basis as we help conserve our species for the benefit of all. May the young toddler’s soul rest in eternal peace.” Mketeni concluded.
“Upon hearing of the incident, the section ranger, Lance Corporal with help from the regional ranger went out to search for the animal. The offending animal was found and shot dead to remove the danger of another person falling victim,” Phaala said.
According to Phaala, in parks like KNP predators do interact with tourists and staff.
“It may result in species like a leopard getting habituated to people and losing their fear. The change in natural behavior can then lead to unfortunate incidents such as this. This is an unfortunate risk that staff experience when having to live and work in environments like KNP. These events are very rare occurrences but always tragic when they do occur,” he said.
KNP management has sent a delegation to the family to give moral support and professional counseling will be provided to all involved. The name of the deceased has been withheld and will be released once all family members have been notified.
KNP: 2-year-old mauled to death by leopard in Malelane camp
Kruger National Park (KNP) can confirm that a leopard killed a staff member’s son last night, 5 June at the Malelane technical services living quarters.
about 1 hour ago
“The toddler was only two and a half years old. The incident took place at 20:00 and the boy was certified dead by doctors at the Shongwe hospital after being rushed there by family members,” Ike Phaala, spokesperson for KNP said.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African National Parks, Fundisile Mketeni has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, saying: “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time, we wish them strength and will give them all the support they need as an organisation. It is never easy to lose a loved one especially under such tragic circumstances. This is the risk we live with on a daily basis as we help conserve our species for the benefit of all. May the young toddler’s soul rest in eternal peace.” Mketeni concluded.
“Upon hearing of the incident, the section ranger, Lance Corporal with help from the regional ranger went out to search for the animal. The offending animal was found and shot dead to remove the danger of another person falling victim,” Phaala said.
According to Phaala, in parks like KNP predators do interact with tourists and staff.
“It may result in species like a leopard getting habituated to people and losing their fear. The change in natural behavior can then lead to unfortunate incidents such as this. This is an unfortunate risk that staff experience when having to live and work in environments like KNP. These events are very rare occurrences but always tragic when they do occur,” he said.
KNP management has sent a delegation to the family to give moral support and professional counseling will be provided to all involved. The name of the deceased has been withheld and will be released once all family members have been notified.
- RogerFraser
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
not good news on either front .
Would like to get more details if the Leopard was sick or the child had been left in an exposed area .Unfortunately IMHO the staff do often seem to get complacent in the camps being there all the time .
Would like to get more details if the Leopard was sick or the child had been left in an exposed area .Unfortunately IMHO the staff do often seem to get complacent in the camps being there all the time .
- Alf
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
Very sad news
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Richprins
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
RIP.
As they say, it is a risk and very rare, not much one can do.
As they say, it is a risk and very rare, not much one can do.
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
"Malelane technical services living quarters"
Is that an unfenced staff camp?
Is that an unfenced staff camp?
- Alf
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
One just wonders what a two and a half year old kid do outside at 8pm
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Peter Betts
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
Some of the Staff are City Dwellers and havent a clue about the wilds ..and a leopard has to dieRogerFraser wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2019 12:22 pm not good news on either front .
Would like to get more details if the Leopard was sick or the child had been left in an exposed area .Unfortunately IMHO the staff do often seem to get complacent in the camps being there all the time .
Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
I believe that two leopards were destroyed after this!
- Peter Betts
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Re: Child Killed By Leopard at Malelane camp, KNP
EXACTLY ..but its the leopards fault ..They probably found any leopard and just shot it to appease everyone ..makes me sick