South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that two of its field rangers, were attacked and injured by an elephant in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Saturday.

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The incident occurred during a routine patrol in the park.

According to acting spokesman, Nhlanhla Themba, Alfred Maluleke and Bethuel Khoza stationed in Pafuri in the north of the park, were rushed to a nearby hospital for observation and were later discharged.

He said due to their skills and knowledge of wildlife behaviour they managed to escape with only minor injuries.

The KNP Managing Executive, Glenn Phillips, has extended his well wishes to the two rangers on behalf of all SANParks staff. “These are some of the many dangers that our rangers face on a daily basis, it is not only poachers that poses threat to our men and women in green,” said Phillips.

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