Six elephants escaped from South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park on Wednesday by crossing a river, according to park officials. Efforts are currently underway to safely return the animals to the park.
Ike Phaahla, spokesperson for South African National Parks (SANparks), confirmed the escape, stating that the elephants used the river, which is currently low due to the season, as a route out of the park. Kruger National Park, a popular tourist destination located near the border with Mozambique, is one of Africa’s largest game reserves.
Initially, park authorities attempted to guide the elephants back using a helicopter. However, the effort was complicated by the presence of a large crowd of community members who blocked the elephants’ path, making the situation increasingly dangerous.
Phaahla reported that law enforcement officials have been called in to help manage the situation. “As soon as the situation is under control, they will attempt again to get the elephants back into the park,” he stated.
There is concern for the elephants’ safety, as animals that escape from protected areas in Africa are sometimes killed by locals for their meat. Park officials are working to avoid such an outcome and ensure the elephants’ safe return.