Loss of elephant not caused by controlled fires - SANParks

This is according to Dr Freek Venter, general manager of Conservation Management in the KNP, who said this was as a result of a runaway fire that jumped over the border from Mozambique into the KNP. "A south-easterly wind created adverse conditions which resulted in a fast-moving fire on the day."

He said the smoke from this type of fire sometimes overcomes animals and confuses them resulting in burns and injuries. "With regards to controlled fires, SANParks has a strict Fire Danger Index guideline, which indicates when it is safe to administer controlled burns and KNP is no exception."

Venter confirmed that the badly burned elephant had to be put down and investigations are being carried out with regards to the injured rhino. SANParks would like to thank the visitors who notified the authorities about this incident and encourages this kind of reporting.

For more information, go to www.sanparks.org.