Toddler (2) mauled to death by Leopard at Kruger National Park

[NamStay]

Source: https://ewn.co.za/2019/06/06/toddler-2-mauled-to-death-by-leopard-at-kruger-national-park


CAPE TOWN - A 2-year-old boy has been killed by a leopard in the Kruger National Park.

The attack occurred at the Malelane Technical Services living quarters on Wednesday night.

The park's communications head, Ike Phaahla, said the son of a staff member was declared dead after he was rushed to Shongwe Hospital by family members.

“Last night at approximately 8pm, reports reached our rangers that a leopard had attacked a 30-month-old toddler in the Malelane staff quarters. The family rushed the toddler to Shongwe Hospital but unfortunately doctors were unable to save his life,” Phaahla said.

Phaahla said the Leopard was hunted down.

“Rangers then went in search of the offending animal and destroyed it to avoid further attacks. As it seems, they have lost their fear of humans,” he said.

Management at the park has also offered counselling to the family of the toddler.

 

[cagkt3]

Very sad to hear

 

[CAustin]

Oh my how tragic. I have a 30 month old grandson and can not imagine loosing him at all much less in such a terrible way! Prayers for his family!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Very sad and tragic.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Bloody sad news.
My heart goes out to the family.

Do you think any or the tourists will stop feeding the animals now?

 

[Newboomer]

Frankly, no. All they see is a soft furry animal to be petted. They have absolutely no concept of the lethality of wildlife, be it in Africa, Yellowstone, a zoo or anywhere. This type of tragedy is all too common worldwide but people still don't learn.
My condolences to the family.

 

[crs]

If they obey the park signs they will stop.
If not, well,,

 

[IvW]

Sad but reality.... but they actually shot two leopards that have been the wrong ones a large old female and a younger female presumed to be the older ones sibling... they now have a third one in sights which appears to be a older male...much to be said about identifying the actual leopard responsible...

You do not want to be a leopard in the close vicinity at the moment....