SOUTH AFRICA, 24 JULY

FC Conradie, 39, CEO and co-owner of the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was killed on Tuesday after being trampled by an elephant at the luxury wildlife reserve near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

Conradie was reportedly attempting to guide a herd of elephants away from tourist lodges when a six-ton bull elephant turned suddenly, charged, and attacked. He was gored and trampled before rangers and emergency personnel could intervene. He was declared dead at the scene.

Known as a passionate conservationist and wildlife enthusiast, Conradie was highly regarded in the ecotourism sector for his dedication to elephant conservation and responsible wildlife management. His death has stunned staff and the broader conservation community.

The reserve, known for its high-end safari experiences, was fully booked at the time of the incident. This marks the second fatal elephant attack at Gondwana in just over a year, raising fresh concerns about safety in close wildlife encounters.