Giraffe attack leaves mother and three-year-old son in critical condition

Incident 'an unfortunate act of nature'

Katy Williams with her husband Sam and son Finn (Facebook/Katy Williams)

A woman and her three-year-old son are fighting for their lives after they were attacked by a giraffe near their home in South Africa.

Katy and Finn Williams, were set upon 150 meters from their home in Blyde Wildlife Estate, near Johannesburg, earlier this week.

Her husband, British scientist Sam Williams, 36, said the incident was “an unfortunate act of nature” - one which left his 35-year-old wife and son in stable but critical conditions, having both undergone operations.

It is thought the giraffe, which was accompanied by a two-month-old calf, felt under threat when it was surprised by the pair.

The attack only came to an end when Mr Williams managed to chase away the animal after returning from an evening run.

The pair were treated at the scene by local doctors, before being airlifted to the nearby Busamed Modderfontein Hospital.

Finn underwent an operation to relieve pressure on his brain, The Citizen newspaper reported. Ms Williams, a US citizen, was operated on for a number of injuries.

In a statement, the family said it has “decided to take one day at a time and stay positive”.

Family lawyer Marina Botha, said: “Sam confirms that he understands nature and with the information available at the moment he regards the incident as an unfortunate act of nature.

“He understands the giraffe saw his wife as a threat to her young one.”

A spokesperson for ER24, which provided the air ambulances that transferred Ms Williams and Finn to hospital, said the pair had suffered “numerous serious injuries” and were found in a critical condition.

Riaan Cilliers, manager of Blyde Wildlife Estate, said the community was “in shock about this very sad incident and we ensure the family that they are in our prayers”.