A veteran Kruger National Park (KNP) ranger, Joseph Ngula (57) is still hospitalised in the trauma unit of Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, following an attack by an enraged elephant on December 20.

KNP spokesperson Ike Phaahla says: “The medical team is happy with his progress and his family have been able to spend time with him in hospital with the support of SANParks. Joseph’s colleagues and family are being assisted with trauma counselling.”

The near-fatal incident happened during a routine morning patrol in the Pretoriuskop section of the park.

A previous statement by Phaala says preliminary reports indicated that Ngula was on patrol along with his colleagues when they stumbled upon a breeding herd of elephant.

“One of the elephants turned back and charged the field ranger [Ngula] which resulted in him sustaining serious injuries. His colleagues managed to rescue him by firing a warning shot at the elephant which ran off and they were able to immediately call for help,” the statement reads.

Ngula, who has been in the employ of SANParks for the past 32 years, was in a critical condition when he was airlifted to Johannesburg just over a week ago.

Head ranger Catherine Dryer explains: “These [incidents with wildlife] are the daily dangers we face in protecting our natural heritage and the park from all wildlife crime. The possibility of being attacked by a dangerous wild animal is always present.

“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 have sufficient time to react.”