The giraffe that trampled a 1-year-old child to death at Kuleni Game Park in KwaZulu-Natal on 19 October has allegedly been euthanised. It’s believed that the aggressive behaviour might have been sparked by the giraffe trying to protect her calf.
UPDATE: Contrary reports have since come to light and Getaway is still awaiting response from Kuleni Game Park.
READ: Dispute over giraffe being euthanised after attack in KZN
The giraffe trampled the child and her 25-year-old mother. The mother survived but sustained critical injuries.
‘The child was taken to the nearest doctor’s room, where she died, and the mother was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. She is reported to be in a critical condition,’ Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala told News24.
Carina Crayton from the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation explained to EWN 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 added: ‘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.’
Kuleni Game Park has yet to comment on the incident.
The story was first broken by News24.
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