A Spanish tourist lost his life in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park after leaving his vehicle to photograph elephants, despite warnings from fellow travelers.
Carlos Luna, a 43-year-old man from Ejea de los Caballeros near Zaragoza, Spain, was visiting the park with his fiancée and two South African friends on Sunday, July 7, 2024, when the incident occurred. The group had entered through the Bakgatia Gate and was driving through the park when they encountered a breeding herd of elephants feeding near the road.
According to the North West Parks & Tourism Board, Luna spotted the herd, which included three adult elephants and three calves. Despite warnings from his fellow passengers and occupants of two other vehicles at the scene, Luna exited his car to approach the elephants on foot and take pictures.
The situation quickly turned dangerous when a large adult female elephant, estimated to weigh about 3.5 tons, became agitated by Luna’s approach. The elephant charged at Luna, who attempted to flee back to the safety of his vehicle. However, the entire herd joined the pursuit. Tragically, Luna was unable to outrun the elephants and was trampled to death.
A park ranger, speaking anonymously, described the incident as “a very stupid thing to do,” noting that Luna had been warned to return to his car but persisted in his attempt to photograph the herd. The ranger added that Luna had ventured too far from the road to make it back to safety in time when the elephants charged.
The attack lasted approximately 30 seconds, leaving behind only tattered, blood-soaked clothing and Luna’s body crushed into the earth. Luna’s companions were left in a state of shock.
Pieter Nel, Acting Chief Conservation Officer for the NW Parks & Tourism Board, emphasized that all tourists are warned not to leave their vehicles, with this information printed on entry tickets for the safety of both guests and animals. Nel stated, “The Board is very saddened by this tragic accident and would like to express their sincere condolences to the deceased’s next of kin and friends.”
Park officials rushed to the scene to assist the other tourists and secure the area. The elephants reportedly moved away from the scene without showing any aggression towards the nearby vehicles and disappeared into the bushes.
This incident is not isolated. In neighboring Zimbabwe, reports indicate that 50 people were killed and 85 injured by wild animals, primarily elephants, in the previous year. Elephant attacks are a recurring problem in various African countries, with several similar incidents reported in recent years.
Authorities warn that female elephants can become particularly aggressive when protecting their young, while male elephants may exhibit aggressive behavior during musth, a period of heightened reproductive hormones. The elephant that initially charged at Luna was likely acting to protect the herd’s young calves.
The incident has sparked discussions about tourist safety in wildlife parks. Some parks are considering implementing stricter measures, such as bans on visitors exiting their vehicles to take photographs, prioritizing safety concerns. However, enforcing such rules can be challenging, as tourists often underestimate the dangers posed by wild animals.
Pilanesberg National Park, spanning an area of about 220 square miles (570 square kilometers), is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse wildlife and proximity to the famous Sun City resort. The park is home to the “Big Five” game animals: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffalo. It has previously hosted high-profile visitors, including English football stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The park was created in the 1970s as part of Operation Genesis, one of the world’s largest wildlife relocation projects. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by the opportunity to observe African wildlife in their natural habitat.
The incident has been handed over to the local police for further investigation, and the Spanish government has been contacted to arrange the repatriation of Luna’s body.