The Kruger Nation Park in South Africa offers various safari tours for tourists to present animals in their natural habits. On one such tour recently, a British safari guide was attacked by a leopard in his open-top jeep in the park. Curtis Plumb, 38, was bitten and clawed on his arm after the animal launched at the vehicle, putting Mr. Plumb in the hospital.
According to the report at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11475722, the leopard launched at the vehicle without warning or provocation as caught on camera by a tourist and his teen son. Those within the jeep were frightened with the incident. "Some of the people seated behind the ranger tried to help by beating the animal with their cameras.” Everyone was working to get the animal to leave Mr. Plumb alone. The leopard then leapt onto the hood of the vehicle in an apparent attempt to get to the tourists. Mr. Plumb has been working as a guide for several years after moving to South Africa from the UK. He was taken to the hospital where he had surgery and is now in stable condition.
We are trying to encourage the park manager to consider better safer vehicles for subsequent safari tours that would not put lives in danger. You can help in our efforts for safer vehicles for these tours by signing and sharing this petition.
William Mambasa, General Manager at Kruger National Park, South Africa – It is unfortunate that one of your tour guides, Mr. Curtis Plumb was injured due to a leopard attack while on duty. In light of the attack, we are urging you to consider creating better, safer vehicles, fully enclosed where animals cannot threaten the lives of any of the occupants. Caged types of vehicles will allow tourists to view the wildlife in their natural habitat without the danger of being attacked or mauled. Consider the safety of your workers and guests.
