What happens to elephants that stray from Kruger Park? South African policy needs a rewrite

When an elephant wandered out of South Africa’s Kruger National Park into the nearby village of Matsulu on 10 February 2024, hundreds of people gathered around and chased it.

The Kruger National Park elephant that wandered through Matsulu village.

Screenshot: Lebogang Ron Mashego Facebook

Wildlife officials tried to return the elephant to the park, but in the end had to destroy it.

Elephants that leave Kruger National Park are generally treated as “damage-causing animals” under government policy. If an elephant is considered a danger to people, it may be put down.