A safari ranger was tragically killed by an elephant at the Inverdoorn Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.
Kabelo Mashao, a 36-year-old elephant handler, was on patrol at the park when he saw an elephant open a gate and flee. Mr. Mashao knew the elephant well and had reportedly been attempting to lure it back into its enclosure when the incident occurred.
After instructing his colleague to stay in the jeep, Mr. Mashao approached the elephant. The animal however charged at him and knocked him to the ground. The huge animal repeatedly thrust him with its tusks, killing him instantly.
A park employee said that Mr. Mashao was left “unrecognizable” after the frenzied attack.
The luxury Big Five game reserve where Mr. Mashao worked had to break the news of his death to his wife, Busi Magagula.
Mr. Mashao had volunteered to work that day to allow others to take the day off.
The elephant that killed Mr. Mashao was said to be a normally friendly animal, and it is currently unclear what caused it to become aggressive.
The natural reserve in question is currently conducting an investigation into the sad incident.
