Woman attacked by buffalo
20/10/2008 15:33 - (SA)


Johannesburg - A Graaff-Reinet woman is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a buffalo while she walking in the Mountain Zebra National Park, SA National Parks said on Monday.

Marna Els and her husband Alid were walking along the unguided 10km Idwala Hiking Trail when the buffalo ran out of a bush, pushed her over and ran back into the bush.

Her husband summoned help and ambulance staff were driven to where she was four kilometres from the start of the hike to stabilise her for five broken ribs, a broken collar-bone and grazes.

She was driven back to the ambulance in the park rangers' vehicle and taken to a hospital in Port Elizabeth for intensive care.

Her condition was stable on Monday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Els and her family during this time of recovery", said park manager Lesley Ann Meyer.

It was the first time someone has been injured by an animal at the park since it was proclaimed in 1937.

"We urge visitors on the hiking trails to continue to remain vigilant at all times to ensure that they are aware of any potentially dangerous animals such as buffalo, black rhino and cheetah," said Meyer.

Communications manager Megan Taplin said it appeared that Mrs Els and the buffalo had surprised each other when their paths crossed.

She said the buffalo could have killed her but chose rather to knock her over and run away.

- SAPA