Police in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa have launched an investigation after a baby and her mother were attacked by a giraffe on Wednesday.
The one-year-old toddler died after she and her mother were trampled by a giraffe at the Kuleni Farm in Hluhluwe on Wednesday, said KwaZulu-Natal police. The incident happened around 4 pm.
“The child was taken to the nearest doctor’s room where she died and the mother, aged 25, was taken to hospital where she is reported to be in a critical condition,” said provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col Noxolo Gwala.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. An inquest docket has been opened at Hluhluwe SAPS,” Gwala added.
Four months ago, a woman was mauled to death by a hippo at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
At the time, spokesperson Bheki Manzini, said three people, including the victim, allegedly went into the nearby wetland which is a habitat for dangerous wildlife such as crocodiles and hippopotami.
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi has a fascinating history as the hunting reserve of the Zulu kings of the past. It is the oldest game reserve in Africa (est 1895) with its 960km2 covering a wealth of historical and cultural heritage sites.
