Posted on 09/07/2018 4:52:29 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
(CBS) — An American scientist and her young son were fighting for their lives Friday in a South African hospital after being attacked by a giraffe at the wildlife reserve in South Africa where they live. Dr. Katy Williams, 35, and her son Finn, 3, were attacked by the female giraffe close to their home on the Blyde Wildlife Estate near Hoedspruit on Monday. Williams’ British husband, Dr. Sam Williams, 36, came back from a run on the estate to find his wife and child being trampled and was able to chase the animal away.
A lawyer for the family, Marina Botha, told CBS News on Friday that both Williams and her son remained in critical but stable condition and were sedated. Katy had a “very long surgery” and Finn had also undergone an operation to release pressure on his brain from injuries sustained during the attack.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicago.cbslocal.com ...
I’ve been to Hoedspruit (well,thorough it,actually)...it’s the largest town near Kruger National Park,the country’s flagship national park.Having seen giraffes close up in the wild (15-20 yards) I can attest that they’re damn big.And having watched more African wildlife videos than I can count I can guarantee that they’re capable of fighting off lions when necessary.
One of the most dangerous animals in a zoo is the giraffe. They can cover territory rapidly, kick and strike like a mule and use their neck and head like a sledgehammer. I was always wary of them and extremely careful when working around them in the enclosures.
Congress needs to pass sensible giraffe control.
More fallout from Ford Prefect’s time on ancient earth.
If giraffes are illegal only illegals will own giraffes???
The African National Congress is too busy destroying farms to worry about free-range giraffes.
A medium sized horse in a good mood can wreak havoc. They step on your toes — busted. They swing their face into yours — busted. They decide to scratch against a fence you’re leaning on — busted. They mistake your fingers for carrots — busted. And then there are the pissed off horses...
Being anywhere near a giraffe is just stupid.
Giraffes can kick in all directions, and have hooves the size of dinner plates. Their heads stand 18 feet or so from the ground. They are huge and powerful. It’s hard to imagine unless you’ve been up close and personal. I wonder what triggered this one to attack, or are they just fruit loops looking for a place to happen?
It was a pit giraffe. One second they’re docile, next thing you know they’re bopping your head off.
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