SANParks Press release 13 November 2012
A female German tourist was injured when a white rhino with a calf attacked a group of tourists who were on a morning walk in the Kruger National Park. The incident happened on 12 November 2012, just a kilometre outside the Wolhuter Trail camp in the southern part of the park.
A rhino cow charged at the group after several failed attempts by the trails rangers to chase the two animals away. A cow charged at the tourist who was hiding behind a rock. Trails rangers decided to open fire in an attempt to scare the animals away. Unfortunately, a cow was injured in the process but managed to get away. The tourist sustained injuries to her ankles, ribs and bruises to her body.
A doctor from Skukuza was airlifted to the scene to assess the injuries sustained. After some thorough assessment the injured woman was airlifted to a hospital, where she is currently being treated.
This was a very unfortunate incident, but we are glad that she survived and we wish her a speedy recovery” said Ms Sithembile Mhlophe, Regional General Manager; Marula; KNP.
In another separate incident an aggressive elephant attacked and overturned a tourist car between Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza Restcamps. The driver of the vehicle sustained knee injuries while trying to escape and was treated on the scene by a KNP doctor.
Managing Executive of the KNP, Mr Abe Sibiya said he was relieved that in both incidents, no lives were lost and that the tourists received the best possible treatment available.
Issued by: Public Relations Department, Kruger National Park
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