A 43-year-old Spanish tourist was tragically trampled to death by elephants at Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa after leaving his vehicle to take photographs of the herd. The incident occurred on Sunday in the North West province, about 180 kilometers (111 miles) from Johannesburg, as reported by police and local government authorities on Tuesday.

The elephant herd, which included young calves, reacted aggressively when the man approached them. Wildlife experts frequently warn that elephants are especially protective of their young and can perceive close human presence as a threat.

The victim’s fiancée and two other women, all from Johannesburg, were in the vehicle at the time of the incident but were unharmed.

Piet Nel, acting chief conservation officer for the North West Parks and Tourism Board, emphasized that visitors to Pilanesberg are strictly prohibited from leaving their vehicles while driving through the park and must sign forms acknowledging their understanding of the rules. Nel remarked, “In some cases, people are oblivious to the dangers in the parks. We must remember that you are entering a wild area.”

This incident follows two similar attacks in Zambia earlier this year, where elephants killed two American tourists.