Online reporter
A 71-year-old South African tourist was on Wednesday trampled to death by an elephant in the Mana Pools National Park.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the death, saying the deceased was attacked, as his son watched in horror.
“It is with great sadness that a 71-year-old South African veterinary doctor was trampled to death by an elephant in Mana Pools in full view of his 41-year-old son.
“He has been visiting the park since 1986. The duo was on a morning walk in the park,” he said.
Last year, a man was attacked by a herd of elephants in Hurungwe, after they invaded his property.
Overpopulation of elephants has resulted in human-animal conflict, which is now a major challenge in communities that share boundaries with game reserves.
Some international organisations that choose to ignore the hazards of Zimbabwe’s large elephant population have continued to restrict the country from culling its herd to sell the ivory and improve conservation of the large animals.