Durban - Injured park chief Andrew Zaloumis has described how he came face to face with a buffalo last week in an encounter that landed him and his wife in hospital.
Speaking from his hospital bed on Sunday, Zaloumis said:
“We are both very lucky to be alive, because buffalo can be deadly. All wild animals become uncomfortable if you get too close to them.”
Zaloumis, the chief executive of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, and his wife, Tracy, were both flown to hospital on Thursday after emergency medical treatment at the scene of the attack near Mission Rocks, on the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia.
Though they were discharged later that day, both were readmitted to hospital for further checks and observation early on Friday and are expected to be discharged finally later today.
Zaloumis, who suffered injuries to his torso and head, said buffalo were dangerous animals and anyone who came into contact with them should avoid confrontation, move backwards and then try to walk away.
Tracy sustained a thigh injury from the encounter.
“This was not an attack, but it was a negative encounter with the animal. The buffalo was not at fault,” he said.
He said he, Tracy and park colleague Lindy Duffield had been accompanying two Gauteng journalists who had been taking pictures for an assignment. Duffield and the journalists had not been injured.
Zaloumis was leading the group when they came almost face to face with the buffalo, and it was too late for them to back away.
He said he first contemplated diving out of its path as the animal was already running “aggressively” towards them.
“I first warned people about the danger we were facing, but it was too late to do anything about it. We could not even climb trees. I thought about diving sideways , but again I realised that I would leave others behind me in danger.”
He said the animal struck him on the side and his head was struck as he fell to the ground. The buffalo carried on running towards his wife, injuring her on the thigh.
Although he had previously accompanied many park visitors on foot, it was the first time Zaloumis had been attacked.
“To avoid such encounters you should avoid getting too close to animals. The last thing you want to do is to get into contact with the animal. It is something to be avoided.
“Unfortunately when we crossed each other’s paths it was too close already – just 10m or so. I will continue to deal with animals with the respect they deserve. Always remember it is their home. We are the visitors. Wild animals are always that – wild. They must be treated with respect,” said Zaloumis.
The Mercury