A Colombian researcher has died after being trampled on by an elephant in Uganda‘s Kibale National Park.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ramirez Amaya Sebastian, who is based at a university in the United States, was conducting usual study in the park forest with an assistant when the event occurred (UWA).
“They came across a lone elephant which charged at them forcing the duo to run in different directions. The elephant followed Sebastian and trampled on him leading to his death,” UWA’s spokesman Bashir Hangi is quoted as saying.
Sebastian’s death has now been confirmed as the second tragic instance in Uganda’s national parks in 2022.
Sayed Elsahany, a Saudi Arabian national, was also reported dead in late January after being trampled by a charging elephant in Murchison Falls National Park.
In January, the University of Western Australia issued a statement urging the public to avoid placing themselves in danger while travelling through gazetted regions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities in Nakasongola District have announced a set of new rules to check rampant animal theft.
Cattle breeders and dealers will be required to obtain a written clearance from the veterinary officials and parish chiefs for all animals in transit within the district, under the rules.
The clearance will indicate the area of origin and the telephone contacts of both the original owner and the parish chief of the area.