A tourist in southwest India faced a terrifying ordeal when he was chased and trampled by an enraged elephant after attempting to take a selfie in a restricted forest area. The man, identified as R.Basavaraju, was criticized for his reckless behavior that led to the aggressive animal charging at him, causing him to flee for safety. Despite being stomped on multiple times by the elephant, the man managed to escape with severe injuries and was hospitalized.
Authorities imposed a substantial fine of 25,000 Rupees (approximately £200) on Basavaraju for violating the rules. Daniel Osorio, a witness to the incident, emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife regulations and warned others against risking their lives for photos. The Forest Department condemned the reckless behavior, stressing that it not only endangers human lives but also triggers dangerous animal reactions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobeying wildlife guidelines. In a separate tragic event, the co-owner of a prominent game reserve was fatally trampled by an elephant while attempting to protect tourists. The Gondwana Private Game Reserve CEO, FC Conradie, lost his life when the elephant suddenly attacked him, despite his efforts to move the animals away from lodges.
Following the unfortunate incident, the reserve expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended support to Conradie’s family. The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The tragic event echoes previous fatalities involving elephants at the reserve, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in close proximity to wild animals.
The South African Police confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. The community mourns the loss of lives and emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety protocols when interacting with wildlife.