An American scientist and her 3-year-old son are in critical condition after they were attacked by a giraffe at their South Africa home.

Katy Williams, 35, and her little boy, Finn, were trampled by the female giraffe at the Blyde Wildlife Estate Monday, the BBC reported. 

Williams and her son were flown for treatment at a Johannesburg hospital, where they are now fighting for their lives. 

Sam Williams said his wife and child may have been charged because they were seen as a threat to the animal traveling with her calf. 

In a statement, he said he would "take one day at a time and remain positive."

The British-born Williams and his American wife are scientists with doctoral experience in animal-related fields. They live and work on the reserve in Limpopo province.

Sam Williams was returning from a run when he saw the giraffe attacking his family. He chased the animal away and phoned for help. 

He said the incident was an "unfortunate act of nature" likely caused by the mother protecting her 2-month-old baby.

Surgeons operated on little Finn to reduce swelling in his brain.

"We are all in shock about this very sad incident and we ensure the family that they are in our prayers," said Riaan Cilliers, the manager of the wildlife refuge. 

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