Leopard Rock Ranger Killed in Elephant Attack in South Africa

A lodge manager and guide at Leopard Rock Lodge, Mark Lautenbach, has been tragically killed in an elephant attack in South Africa.

North West MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Desbo Mohono said in a statement that Lautenbach was a manager and guide at the Leopard Rock Lodge operating in Madikwe Game Reserve.

Lautenbach suffered extensive injuries after being attacked by a musth elephant on Friday.

Musth is a periodic condition in bull elephants, characterised by highly aggressive behaviour and accompanied by a large rise in reproductive hormones.

It was reported that Lautenbach had tried to redirect the elephant into the bush after it broke down a fence and entered the lodging area.

The MEC said the incident was “unfortunate” and sent condolences to Lautenbach’s family.

“This is a great loss to the wildlife sector as Lautenbach was a highly committed and trained ranger with years of experience in the field. We pray that his family may find peace and comfort in this time of bereavement,“ said Mohono.

The elephant has since been put down following the tragic incident. – SAnews.gov.za