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Spanish tourist trampled to death by elephants in South Africa (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/darwinaward

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/24717791

A Spanish tourist has been trampled to death by elephants in a South African national park after apparently trying to take pictures of a breeding herd that included three calves.

The 43-year-old man was killed on Sunday morning at Pilanesberg national park about 130 miles (210km) north-west of Johannesburg.

According to park officials, the man, who was with three friends, climbed out of his vehicle and walked towards the animals to take photos.

“Despite warnings from his fellow passengers, and occupants from two other vehicles that were at the sighting, he unfortunately did not heed their warnings,” the North West province’s parks and tourism board said in a statement.

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[–] MushuChupacabra 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Wilful stupidity can be fatal.

He was warned repeatedly to not get out of his vehicle and approach, and chose to disregard the advice.

What an abrupt way of learning where you are on the Dunning-Kruger curve.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Yeah, I'd feel differently if he hadn't been warned or was by himself. Elephants seem like gentle, peaceful animals but they're incredibly dangerous when they want to be, territorial, and fiercely protective of their calves. Obviously everyone else knew that but he refused to heed their advice.

[–] Artard 2 points 4 months ago

Elephant: TOURISTS GO HOME!