Scientist and 3-year-old son fighting for their lives after being attacked by giraffe

An American scientist and her son are fighting for their lives after being attacked by a giraffe.

Dr. Katy Williams, 35, and her little boy Finn, 3, are in critical but stable condition after being trampled by a female giraffe at the Blyde Wildlife Estate in South Africa on Monday, according to BBC. Williams’ husband, British scientist Dr. Sam Williams, 36, came back from a run to the family’s home near the wildlife reserve in Limpopo to find his wife and child being attacked. He chased the animal away before calling for help.

Finn underwent surgery to release pressure on his brain on Tuesday. Katy also had surgery to treat injuries sustained during the incident.

It’s not known exactly what caused the giraffe to become aggressive with the pair, but Riaan Cilliers, the manager of the estate, said in a statement that the animal had a two-month-old calf and may have acted out of fear.

Sam, who works at the Blyde Wildlife Estate alongside Katy, called the event an “unfortunate act of nature.”

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