SANParks defends shooting elephant
SANParks has issued another statement on the controversy surrounding its decision to euthanize the elephant that flipped over a vehicle belonging to a visiting British couple late last month.
A video of the incident, taken by another visitor to Kruger National Park, went viral, eliciting a massive public response.
The Park's Managing Executive, Abe Sibiya, has reiterated that they didn't take the decision to shoot the elephant lightly.
In a statement released this afternoon, Sibiya says the incident is a consequence of parks allowing people to enjoy the natural environment. He added that unfortunately some do so in an irresponsible manner.
The tourists involved had tailed the bull elephant in their car, despite his flapping ears: a warning sign of his growing state of agitation.
Sibiya's reiterated that Kruger National Park is managed by qualified officials who were placed in a difficult position over this incident.
They determined the elephant could attack other visitor vehicles, something backed up by an expert we've spoken to.
Sibiya's appealed to witnesses to come forward, saying they need a written statement in order to allow them to take possible action against the tourists involved.
“The law stipulates that evidence such as this should be accompanied by a written statement from eyewitnesses as the footage cannot be the only permissible evidence in order to sanction any fine against the alleged perpetrators,” he said.
“Tourists need to change their behavior when on self-game drives… we drive this message in our communication at check in points, on our brochures and on the permits. It is highly impossible to have constant policing on holiday makers as the parks resources are already stretched with many operations going on at the same time,” Sibiya added.
- Diane Macpherson