A giraffe that trampled a 1-year-old child to death at a game reserve has been euthanised. It’s believed that the aggressive behaviour might have been sparked by the giraffe trying to protect her calf.
The giraffe trampled the child and her 25-year-old mother. The mother survived but sustained critical injuries.
The incident happened on Wednesday 19 October at Kuleni Game Park in Hluhluwe.
Also read: Child killed and mom critical after being trampled by giraffe
Carina Crayton from the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation explained to EWN News why the giraffe had to be put down:
“In tragic situations like this, the animal is almost always euthanised. This is because of the mandate to protect human life. Most of the time, the animal is euthanised during the attack to try and protect those involved.”
The NSPCA’s Keshiv Nair told EWN News: “Factors such as a calf possibly being near or simply being too close may have triggered the giraffe to act out. The NSPCA has reiterated time and time again that wild animals belong in the wild and should not be interfered with for luxury or leisure purposes.”
The Game Park has yet to comment on the incident.
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Picture: Pexels