Handler trampled by elephant

Johannesburg - A handler at the Knysna Elephant Park was trampled by an elephant at the weekend, the park said on Monday.

“Arnold Ndzwanana is in a stable condition. He had the lower part of his leg amputated last night (Sunday),” spokesperson Greg Vogt said.

He said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Ndzwanana, 32, was moving four bull elephants, including a 22-year-old elephant named Harry, to an orchard for their rest time and lunch.

“There was a shift change and usually they are very keen to go there. The three other bulls were being moved and Arnold called out ‘Harry move up', which is a command for him to move forward,” Vogt said.

“At that point Harry turned around and attacked him. Four handlers managed to stand in front of Harry and distract him.”

The park had conducted a debriefing and counselling session for the handlers, who were traumatised.

“We are starting to map out what actually happened... There are so many possible triggers... It could have been Arnold's position, his aftershave... We just don't know at this stage,” Vogt said.

The National Council of SPCAs on Monday said the incident reiterated why animals should be left in the wild and not removed from their natural environments “for use in the entertainment sector”.

“Wild animals will always remain wild and will eventually retaliate,” spokesperson Vonny Strachan said in a statement.

She said there had been numerous attacks on handlers by captive elephants in the country as well as worldwide.

“We urge the public not to support facilities that use animals for financial gain and entertainment,” she said.

“The public should rather enjoy the immense and diverse wildlife this country possesses in their natural environments.” - Sapa

© Copyright 1999 - 2011 Independent Online, a division of Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited. The copyright in the literary and artistic works contained in this online news publication and its other related and connected websites, as well as in the published editions of group newspapers, their supplements and any other content or material, belongs exclusively to Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited unless otherwise stated. The reproduction of any content or material contained in this online news publication and its other related websites as well as the published editions of group newspapers and their supplements is expressly reserved to the publisher, Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited, under Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act of 1978. Reliance on the information contained in the online news publications and other related content published on this website is done at your own risk and subject to our “terms and conditions”. Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited has committed itself to The Press Code of Professional Practice which prescribes that news must be reported in a truthful, accurate, fair and balanced manner. If we don't live up to the Press Code please contact The Press Ombudsman 2nd Floor, 7 St David’s Park, St David’s Place, Parktown, 2193 or PO Box 47221, Parklands 2121 or email pressombudsman@ombudsman.org.za (www.ombudsman.org.za) or telephone 011 484 3612/8.

Kloof & Highway SPCA - ShowMe™ South Africa

The Kloof and Highway SPCA provides a shelter for strays, abandoned and unwanted animals. These animals have no voice to speak out against cruelty and neglect and it is our society’s aim to be the voice of the animals in need. The SPCA movement does not only deal with domestic animals, but also includes farm animals, wildlife and any of God’s creatures. Our Inspectorate is called upon to be anywhere ‘where man and animal interact.’ Our functions include basic animal care for the underprivileged, re-homing of animals, inspection and checks on abattoirs etc, outreach work, education and awareness of animal welfare. The pound, being the cattery and kennels are one of the most visible parts of the Society's operations. The kennels act as adoption centers for unwanted, stray and injured animals and as holding facilities for animals waiting to be reunited with their owners or pending an investigation. Our cattery houses a section for kittens and then a section for adult cats. The Kloof and Highway SPCA provides a shelter for strays, abandoned and unwanted animals. These animals have no voice to speak out against cruelty and neglect and it is our society’s aim to be the voice of the animals in need. The SPCA movement does not only deal with domestic animals, but also includes farm animals, wildlife and any of God’s creatures. Our Inspectorate is called upon to be anywhere ‘where man and animal interact.’ Our functions include basic animal care for the underprivileged, re-homing of animals, inspection and checks on abattoirs etc, outreach work, education and awareness of animal welfare. The pound, being the cattery and kennels are one of the most visible parts of the Society's operations. The kennels act as adoption centers for unwanted, stray and injured animals and as holding facilities for animals waiting to be reunited with their owners or pending an investigation. Our cattery houses a section for kittens and then a section for adult cats. The first SPCA in South Africa was started approximately 125 years ago, and today there are 97 SPCAs throughout South Africa, ranging from very small in size to very large. Over the years, as the number of SPCAs grew, their management teams realised that a forum was needed to address common issues as well as ensure uniformity, the maintenance of high standards of welfare and quality service to the community. In 1965 Skit Field died and left almost his entire estate valued at R1.5 million to theSPCA to “as soon as possible after my death establish a branch of the SPCA on the property in Glenholme”. He left a large tract of land with its own water supply and enough money to build a dream SPCA – however the reality of the dream was not an easy one to accomplish. “Every living creature has intrinsic value and is a sentient being. Our primary and motivating concern is the prevention of cruelty to all living creatures. We are mindful that humans have been uniquely endowed with a sense or moral values. For this reason, we believe humans are responsible for the welfare of those animals that they have domesticated and those upon whose natural environment humans encroach. This responsibility, we believe, must be shared by all people”. In line with this statement the Kloof & Highway SPCA has launched the Humane Education Program. Regular school tours are held at our society. The children are taken on a tour of our kennels, cattery and often also the horse care unit. We have children ranging in age from 3 years to 18 years and the tours are age appropriate. Educating young children to respect animals and treat them properly plays a vital role in the prevention of cruelty. Abuse of animals begins at a far earlier age than most realize and research shows that those who abuse animals often go on to abuse people. Barbara Patrick has been Manager of our society since September 2008. Barbara’s love of animals is apparent to all who meet her. She has four ‘four legged’ children named Ella, Donna, Dolce and Gabanna. Barbara’s office is situated right at the front of our Reception block and she is a very ‘hands on’ Manager who is involved with the public and our animals on a daily basis. Barbara attends our outreach clinics and makes sure to do a ‘walkabout’ of our society every day. Barbara has made many positive changes at the Kloof and Highway SPCA.

Working with Animals

From revolution to rights in South Africa, social movements, NGOs & popular politics after apartheid

Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York

The jaundiced eye on a new South Africa

South African digest