In 2018, filmmaker Carlos Carvalho was filming at the Glen Afric Country Lodge complex when he decided to capture additional footage of a giraffe named Gerald. During filming, the man got closer to the animal than recommended and, in a sudden movement, the giraffe forcefully swung its neck and struck him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
Carvalho was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Johannesburg, but he died hours later due to the severity of his injuries. Coworkers said the attack happened suddenly while they were trying to get close-up shots of the animal.
After the accident, those in charge of the reserve stated that the giraffe would not be put down, since it acted naturally and was not considered dangerous. They also said that the filmmaker had gotten too close to the animal despite safety warnings.