Lion Kills American Tourist on Safari in South Africa

An American tourist on vacation in South Africa is dead after being mauled by a lion while on a safari.

The BBC reports that a woman was killed when a female lion jumped into the vehicle the tourist was riding in and began attacking her. A male the victim was traveling with is in the hospital recovering from injuries he sustained during the incident.

The Guardian reports the male was injured as he was trying to fight off the lion.

The safari took place at a location known as Lion Park, which is only 19 miles north of the major city of Johannesburg. Park rules stipulate that people driving through the park must keep their windows up. Park officials said these rules are strongly reiterated numerous times.

The victim died despite the fervent efforts of both park rangers, who chased the lion away, and paramedics who arrived on the scene shortly after the attack. Because the lion attacked a person, it is possible that the animal will have to be put down.

The park has said it will begin an investigation into the matter.

The BBC said this attack is the third major incident at Lion Park in the last four months. In addition to lions, the park houses cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes.

One incident involved an Australian who was attacked because his window was open. The other involved a boy who tried to take a shortcut through the park on his bike, according to The Guardian.

The Guardian also notes the park began operation in 1966, and is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It was ranked as one of the best tourist spots in the world by Newsweek, and has been visited by celebrities like Shakira and the German national football team.