An ecologist at Lion Sands Lodge (Sabi Sands) killed by an elephant.

First report at http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click...3&set_id=1

Follow-up today atwww.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=&art_id=vn20040506034323685 C887428&set_id=1

ArthurSA

What a tragic accident.Just yesterday finished reading her monthly report on the Lion Sands website.

I don't know?

A slightly different version of what happened in this report?

http://www.lowvelder.co.za/show_story.asp?storyid=4186

Yes, the two versions do vary slightly, but the result is sadly the same. I've read about her work, and this is truly a tragedy for all of South Africa. I was looking forward to meeting her.

On a more selfish note, I'm headed to Lion Sands in July with my already skittish wife and two nervous sons. I don't know what to tell them, but I feel I must be honest. Any suggestions?

I don't know the facts behind her death, but you may be sure your lodge will not take any chances with your safety. It's all relative. We were at MalaMala driving into bushes near elephants and nervous ... when back in Md. there were two snipers on the loose. There was much more fear in Md. than at MalaMala. Your best strategy - accuracy and reassurance, and perhaps reorienting them to see that some risk in life is always there, whether we feel it in our safe normal sourroundings, or in a new environment, Africa. Have a good trip.