RONNIE Kalanga is lucky to be alive after a tiger savaged his legs. The big cat was among tigers and lions being darted with knockout drugs before being moved to Rustenburg from Jugomaro Predator Park outside Groblersdal, Limpopo on Wednesday.
Ronnie (35), a guard from Wildlife Investigation and Protection Services, was part of the team moving the wild animals. Speaking to Daily Sun at Groblersdal Hospital, he said the tiger got over the electrified fence after the power was switched off.
“The tiger jumped on me and bit my legs. I hit it with a baton but it wouldn’t let go. I screamed and other team members fired shots to scare it off. That tiger almost killed me. My legs are very sore,” he said from his hospital bed.
Memory Sivhanda, who witnessed the attack, said she didn’t think Ronnie would survive.
“We were shocked. Members of the darting team were running around. It is only thanks to God that Ronnie is still alive,” said Memory.
Another witness said: “I knew there would be trouble when I saw the tiger’s tail go over the fence. I ran for safety.”
Nurses said Ronnie kept bleeding badly after his wounds were stitched. He will be transferred to Middelburg Hospital.
WARNING: Graphic photo below.
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