The matriarch elephant reportedly became “agitated” when she saw the man approaching her three young calves – which is a normal reaction after a perceived threat.
A Spanish tourist has been trampled to death by elephants at a wildlife reserve in South Africa.
The 43-year-old man was targeted by the animals after leaving his vehicle to take photographs at Pilanesberg National Park in the country’s North West province, police and local government authorities said on Tuesday.
The matriarch elephant reportedly became “agitated” when she saw the man approaching her three young calves, Pieter Nel, conservation manager for the North West Provincial Parks and Tourism Authority, told Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.
He said it is normal for elephants to “defend their young” and tourists visiting Pilanesberg are told they are not allowed to leave their vehicles while driving through the park and must sign forms showing they understand the rules.
“In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks,” Mr Nel said. “We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”
Wildlife experts often warn elephants are especially protective of their young and can react aggressively to a perceived threat.