Kruger elephant euthanised after community confrontation

An elephant that escaped from Kruger National Park into Matsulu was euthanised on
Saturday after community members allegedly chased and threw objects at it. The
Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency made the difficult decision to put the elephant
down as the situation became uncontrolled, said acting CEO Nomcebo Kunene. Kruger
had dispatched a helicopter to guide the elephant back, but crowds threatened MTPA
staff on the ground, forcing the helicopter to withdraw. Videos circulated showing
community members cutting up the elephant’s body with a chainsaw after it was shot.

Kunene urged residents to immediately report wildlife sightings and avoid
confrontations. The local policing forum was notified early Saturday about the escaped
elephant. Forum head Jacob Siboza asked residents not to plant fruit trees near the
Kruger fence, as it could draw elephants out. He and Kunene want the community to
stay away from wildlife and call them instead of approaching. The disturbing incident
highlights the need for better elephant containment and community education to prevent
future clashes.