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2-Year-Old Killed By Leopard At Kruger National Park

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Published Date

June 6, 2019

A 2-year-old boy was killed by a leopard at Kruger National that had found a way into staff living quarters at the park in South Africa.

The attack occurred about 8 p.m. local time Wednesday at the Malelane Technical Services Living Quarters. The toddler was taken to the Shongwe hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“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 organization," said Fundisile Mketeni, CEO of South African National Parks. "It is never easy to lose a loved one especially under such tragic circumstances, this is the risk we live with on a daily basis as we help conserve our species for the benefit of all. May the young toddler’s soul rest in eternal peace."

Rangers tracked the leopard and killed it.

Park staff said the cat might have overcome its fear of humans because of tourism to the park.

"The change in natural behavior can then lead to unfortunate incidents such as this," a park release said. "This is an unfortunate risk that staff experience when having to live and work in environments like the Kruger National Park. These events are very rare occurrences, but always tragic when they do occur."

The name of the toddler was withheld pending notification of family.

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