“Although such incidents are not a common occurrence in iSimangaliso, we wish to caution our visitors to always remain vigilant and keep to a distance of at least 50 metres from wildlife, particularly the big five. Human-wildlife conflicts can and do happen since these animals are wild, and roaming freely in the park.”
It’s unclear what triggered this elephant in South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park to flip over a passing SUV but we do have reports the family traveling in the vehicle was shaken up but unhurt. Th reserve released an official statement about the incident stating the male elephant might have been in a heightened hormonal state called “musth” where bull can become highly aggressive, and have been responsible for similar car-crushing behaviour in the past. As this is an isolated incident, the elephant will not be relocated or euthanized.
“Although such incidents are not a common occurrence in iSimangaliso, we wish to caution our visitors to always remain vigilant and keep to a distance of at least 50 metres from wildlife, particularly the big five. Human-wildlife conflicts can and do happen since these animals are wild, and roaming freely in the park.”