Meanwhile...back in Rwanda

Rogue elephant prompts unusual warning from US embassy in Rwanda
Fri Apr 15 2005 11:09:46 ET

The aggressive behavior of a rogue elephant in a Rwandan wildlife preserve has prompted an unusual warning from the US embassy in Kigali, normally more concerned with threats posed by humans.

The embassy said visitors to Lake Ihema in northern Rwanda's Akagera Game Park should take extra security precautions because the rogue beast that was becoming increasingly violent.

"Recently, this elephant has displayed more aggressive behavior towards visitors to the point that actual charging and physical contact with vehicles has occurred," it said in a notice to US citizens in Rwanda released Thursday.

"No injuries have been reported, but as recently as last week this elephant severely damaged an occupied vehicle," said the notice, a copy of which was seen by AFP wire on Friday.

"The embassy has notified the Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks and expressed our concerns about these incidents," it said. "Americans are advised to exercise extra caution when visiting the park."