The incident occurred on December 20, when Joseph Nkuna, a ranger with more than 32 years of experience, was on patrol in the Pretoriuskop section of the KNP. Preliminary reports suggest that Nkuna and his colleagues crossed the road in front of a breeding herd of elephants. “One of the elephants turned back and charged him which resulted in him sustaining serious injuries.

His colleagues managed to rescue him by firing a warning shot. They were able to immediately call for help. A helicopter with a doctor and support team on board immediately responded. The injured field ranger was stabilised on the scene and transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital for further medical attention.” Head ranger Catherine Dreyer, said they are grateful and elated that his condition has improved.

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“As management and colleagues we have been praying for his well-being and that of his family whom we are supporting during this difficult time. We are in contact with the hospital daily and were excited when we were informed that his condition has improved. It is going to be a very long road to recovery, he is a brave man, and we believe the worst is behind us.

“We thank the medical personnel and everybody that is taking care of him and cannot wait to welcome him back.” She further said that
rangers face dangers daily in protecting the park. “The possibility of being attacked by a dangerous wild animal is always present, and in some instances, unavoidable, especially with the bush being so thick during this time of the year. It makes it difficult to see animals from a distance and has sufficient time to react,” she concluded.