A mother, Nicole Panos, 25, bravely shares her experience for the first time, recounting the tragic incident that took the life of her baby daughter in a devastating giraffe attack. In a desperate attempt to shield her children from the charging beast, Nicole was tragically left paralyzed from the waist down. The incident occurred in October 2022 at the Kuleni Game Park in South Africa, where they resided
From The Sun UK:
Her son suffered skull fractures but managed to escape with his life after curling up in a ball in the sand to escape the giraffe – who the family believe was protecting a calf.
Tragically, one-year-old Kaia, whom Nicole was holding in her arms, died after suffering a traumatic head injury.
Seven months on from the attack, the heartbroken mum paid tribute to her daughter and told The Sun that the terrifying events that unfolded still haunt her every day.
Fighting back tears, Nicole said: “My world completely shattered the day Kaia died.
“On one level, I feel betrayed by our safe space and confused; we didn’t behave in a threatening manner to the giraffe.
“But as a mother, I understand the instinct that kicks in to protect your children.
“My last thought before she charged at us was that of worry, ‘Where is her baby?’, but she took mine from me."
Nicole and her husband, Jason, lived with their children on-site at the family business -a luxury game park, popular with families who travel from across the world to stay in lodges on the site.
It is truly heart-wrenching to witness the immense suffering this woman has endured and the unimaginable horror that has befallen her family.
We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to them. May they find strength and solace in the midst of their grief. Let us also take a moment to honor and cherish the memory of their beloved daughter, Kaia, whose life was tragically cut short.
