The vet, believed to be in his mid-forties, is recovering in the intensive care unit of Windhoek's Medi-Clinic hospital after having his spleen removed.

Five of his ribs were broken in the encounter.

Jago was called out to the farm of Christiaan Schmitt on Tuesday, to treat an injured elephant.

Schmitt keeps six elephants on some 10 000 hectares at the lodge Okambara, 100 kilometres east of Gobabis.

Shortly after midday, Jago tranquillised the elephant bull to treat its leg.

The animal would however not awaken from its induced sleep, and it was only after it was injected with an antidote for the second time, that it stirred.

In trying to stand, the elephant's rear leg hit the vet on his head and shoulder.

Jago managed to move several metres away, but by that time the tranquilliser had worn off and the elephant charged at him.

Jago was chased up a hill into dense vegetation, all the while shouting at the enraged animal.

Schmitt told The Namibian that he did not know exactly what transpired after that as he went to fetch a vehicle and call for medical help.

However, it is presumed that the elephant might have caught up with Jago in the bushes and caused him further injury, as he complained of severe chest pains when Schmitt reached him.

It was difficult for the farmer to go to Jago's aid immediately, as the elephant could not be distracted away from the scene.

Luckily the elephant did not charge the farmer and his labourer who tried to drive the animal out of the bushes.

Jago was taken to Windhoek by emergency flight later that afternoon for medical treatment.

Local News Headlines Of The Last 48 Hours

•  Hishongwa hits out at 'newcomers'
•  Doctors to court over dispensing rights
•  Project money missing
•  N$20 000 fine for computer corruption
•  Police kill suspect after 'struggle'
•  Union wants NHE bosses' heads
•  2008 a year of political violence: DTA
•  Gender violence takes centre stage
•  Employers of disabled people awarded
•  Closure of copper mines adds gloom to Nam mining outlook
•  78 Zim farmers win land case
•  Floodgates open over Windhoek
•  Everyone except Swapo to blame for the violence, claims President