The co-owner of a South African safari reserve was killed by a charging elephant while leading a walking tour.
Gary Freeman, who helped to run Klaserie Private Nature Reserve within the north-east of the country, is alleged to have previously told his guests he would slightly die in an elephant attack than shoot one.
Based on the Each day Mail, the 65-year-old tried to scare away the animal by pulling out his firearm but didn’t fire at it.
The group of 4 tourists on the trip helped him into the guide vehicle after the incident on April 9 but he soon ‘succumbed to his dreadful injuries’, a source told the newspaper.
Friends and colleagues of the experienced guide described him as a ‘true gentleman’ on social media.
A tribute from Klaserie reserve said: ‘His presence, kindness, and contribution to this landscape shall be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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‘Our heartfelt condolences exit to Hanneke, his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they navigate this loss.
‘In moments like these, the strength of the Klaserie lies in its community — in supporting each other with care, compassion, and understanding.’
Based on reports in South Africa, the elephant involved within the incident was a female.
The animals can reach 3 tons in weight and average at around 8ft 6in tall.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a spokesman for Limpopo Police, said: ‘The deceased, who’s the owner of the sport reserve, was touring with the tourists and in some unspecified time in the future alighted from their vehicle and walked on foot.
‘Because the group were walking an elephant suddenly emerged and charged at him. He tried to scare it off with the revolver he was carrying but he was ultimately attacked by the elephant.
‘The driving force and tracker along with other tourists took him to a secure place and summoned the emergency medical personnel. Upon their arrival, he was unfortunately certified dead.
‘There is no such thing as a evidence that means the firearm was used.’
Gary Freeman Safaris was founded in 1993, in keeping with its website, and specialises in wilderness walking tours.
An outline says: ‘The target of the trail is to show the trailists to the sport reserve environment, all features, each large and small.
‘Time is spent unravelling the intricacies of the bush and admiring most of the smaller species that may otherwise be ignored if traveling in a vehicle.’
Mr Freeman had been involved in environmental education for nearly 40 years, starting in 1987.
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