16-Month-Old Trampled To Death By Giraffe At Safari Park; Mother Critically Injured

In a rare attack, a giraffe trampled a 16-month-old baby girl to death and critically injured her mother while they were visiting a South African wildlife park.

The horrific incident occurred at the Kuleni Game Park in Hluhluwe near the port city of Durban on Wednesday. The baby was with her 25-year-old mother when the towering animal turned rough and crushed the child to death and left the mother critically injured, Briefly reported.

Police spokeswoman Nqobile Gwala told News 24 that the baby was rushed to a doctor's room following the tragic incident, but she died of her injuries. Her mother, who was also taken to a hospital, is currently battling for her life.

"The 25-year-old mother and her 16-month-old child were at Kuleni Farm in Hluhluwe when they were trampled by a giraffe. The child was taken to the nearest doctor's room where she died and the mother was rushed to the hospital for medical attention. She is reported to be in critical condition. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated," Gwala told the outlet, adding that a probe has been launched into the incident.

The News 24 report carried an image from the scene in which the child's mother is seen being stretchered to an ambulance by paramedics.

According to its website, Kuleni Game Park is a cattle farm turned staycation hub that features a number of eco-friendly, timber-styled huts. Visitors at the park are free to take self-guided tours in the park's trails and experience close encounters with animals, albeit within the bounds of some select rules.

"It is home to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife in a beautiful environment to relax and explore. The original park has now combined with four neighboring properties to create a greater conservancy," the website read.

The park hasn't issued a statement regarding the tragic incident yet.

Giraffes, which can grow up to 16 feet tall and weigh over a ton, can potentially get aggressive during their mating season only if they sense their babies are in danger.