A two-year-old toddler has been mauled to death by a leopard at the staff living quarters in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
In a statement on Thursday KNP said the tragic incident occurred at about 8 pm on Wednesday night at the Malelane Technical Services living Quarters.
"The toddler was only 30 months old. The incident took place at 20H00 and the boy was certified dead by doctors at the Shongwe Hospital after being rushed there by family members."
The CEO of South African National Parks, Fundisile Mketeni has extended his condolences to the family of the deceased saying, “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".
"Immediately upon hearing of the incident, the Section Ranger, his Lance Corporal with help from the Regional Ranger went out to search for the animal. The offending animal was found and shot dead to remove the danger of another person falling victim," Mketeni said.
KNP Management has sent a delegation to the family to give moral support. Professional counselling will be provided to all involved.
The name of the deceased has been withheld and will be released once all family members have been notified.
- African News Agency (Pic: ANA);
