UPDATE: Cub of leopard that killed toddler, also shot

MALALANE – KNP confirmed on Friday morning that two leopards were shot in the immediate vicinity of the scene: the adult female and a sub-adult female.

KNP communications head, Ike Phaahla, said that the cub was put down as she “posed a danger to the public” too.

He said that a postmortem conducted on the leopards revealed that they were in very good condition with good teeth and no obvious injuries prior to their death.

The adult female was carrying a lot of body fat, but had an empty gut, while the youngster was also in great condition with fresh impala in its stomach.

“This means that they were not desperate animals, and it probably was opportunistic instinct on the part of the adult,” Phaahla said.

SANParks reassured visitors that the area is safe as long as they observe rules and regulations when in the park, especially around illegal feeding of animals.

“SANParks strongly discourages people from doing such as these wild animals lose their fear of humans and venture into these areas,” Phaahla said.

UPDATE: Toddler named who was killed by leopard – June 7, 09:00

MALALANE – The incident took place in the fenced staff village at the Malelane Technical Services living quarters.

His father, Isaiah, has worked for the KNP for “some time”, communications head, Ike Phaahla, said.

Reports suggest that the leopard grabbed the boy and started dragging him away but dropped him and the family rushed him to hospital.

However, KNP is still confirming the details.

The leopard fled back over the fence. Immediately upon hearing of the incident, the section ranger, his lance-corporal and the regional ranger went in search of the animal.

The adult female was found in the vicinity of the attack and shot dead “to remove the danger of another person falling victim”.

Phaahla added that the yard was fenced in addition to the camp, which has standard game fencing.

“These events are very rare occurrences but always tragic when they do occur,” he said.

In 2014, a staff member lost a son to a crocodile.

READ MORE: Croc kills son of staff member in Kruger National Park

KNP management met with Courtney’s family on Thursday afternoon.

The CEO of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, extended his condolences to the family.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time. We wish them strength and will give them all the support they need as an organisation,” Mketeni said.

“It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially under such tragic circumstances. This is the risk we live with on a daily basis as we help conserve our species for the benefit of all. May the young toddler’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

BREAKING NEWS: Toddler killed by leopard in KNP – June 6, 12:17

MALALANE – The Kruger National Park (KNP) confirmed on Thursday morning that a staff member’s toddler was killed by a leopard on Wednesday night.

The incident took place at the Malelane Technical Services living quarters at around 20:00.

According to the park’s communications head, Ike Phaahla, the boy was 30 months old.

He was rushed to hospital by family members and certified dead by doctors at Shongwe Hospital.

The section ranger, his lance-corporal and the regional ranger found and shot dead the animal “to remove the danger of another person falling victim.”

ALSO SEE: Four caught red-handed with rhino horn in KNP

“In parks like the KNP predators do interact with tourists and staff and at times it may result in species like leopard getting habituated to people and losing their fear,” Phaahla said in the statement.

“The change in natural behaviour can then lead to unfortunate incidents such as this. This is an unfortunate risk that staff experience when having to live and work in environments like the KNP. These events are very rare occurrences but always tragic when they do occur.”

The name of the little boy is being withheld until all family members have been notified.

ALSO READ: Updated: KNP still silent about investigation