Hluhluwe game park says giraffe that killed toddler ‘not put down’
Management at a Hluhluwe game park where a family was attacked by a giraffe, killing a toddler, has moved to clarify that the animal has not been put down, contrary to earlier reports.
In a statement to Newswatch this afternoon, Kuleni Game Park has also confirmed the family were private residents on the reserve.
Kuleni Game Park's management says 25-year-old Nicole Panos, who is a qualified guide, was walking with her children on the property on Wednesday night when they encountered a small herd of giraffes, including calves.
They say Panos and her children walked past the animals which are commonly seen in the area.
It's understood that one of the giraffes attacked the older child before turning on Panos and her 16-month old daughter.
Management says the giraffes then ran off into the surrounding bush unharmed.
The toddler died on arrival at the local doctor while her mother was airlifted to hospital where she remains in a serious condition.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Brian Ring says they are shocked and devastated by the incident - describing Panos as a much-loved part of the extended Kuleni family.
He says in the over 20 years that the park has been established, thousands of guests and owners have walked without incident.
Police say the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
An inquest docket has been opened for investigation at Hluhluwe SAPS.
