A toddler has been killed by a leopard at a national park in South Africa.
It happened at around 8pm last night at living quarters in Kruger National Park.
The two-year-old boy was the son of a staff member.
Family members rushed the child to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, park rangers tracked down the leopard involved and shot it dead "to remove the danger of another person falling victim".
In a statement, Fundisile Mketeni - CEO of South African National Parks - extended his condolences to the toddler's family.
He said: "Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time. We wish them strength and will give them all the support they need as an organisation.
"It is never easy to lose a loved one especially under such tragic circumstances. This is the risk we live with on a daily basis as we help conserve our species for the benefit of all."
According to officials, predators such as leopards sometimes interact with staff and visitors in the park.
They suggest this can lead to the animals "getting habituated to people and losing their fear" - adding that such behavioural changes can sometimes lead to unfortunate and tragic incidents.
Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest national reserve, covering an area of more than 19,000 square kilometres.
It has large populations of Africa's so-called 'Big Five game' - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and African buffalo.
