A 39-year-old senior official at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve outside Mossel Bay was trampled to death by an elephant while doing his usual rounds on Tuesday.
The deceased has been identified as FC Conradie, CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve.
Police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies said: “Emergency services were summoned after the man was trampled by an elephant at about 8am. He had multiple injuries. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene.”
The elephant was moved away from the camp, Spies said. An inquest docket has been opened.
In a statement, the game reserve said: “A devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many, FC was a beloved and highly respected figure — both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community.”
It said his death left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning.
A close family friend and spokesperson for the reserve, speaking on behalf of the Gondwana team, said: “This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a visionary and a truly remarkable human being.”
The spokesperson asked for privacy and space for the family.
The game reserve said Conradie was a passionate conservationist whose vision and leadership helped establish Gondwana as one of South Africa’s leading private game reserves.
“His unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, community upliftment and sustainable tourism left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He led with integrity, compassion, and purpose — qualities that inspired all who knew him.”
TimesLIVE
UPDATE | Senior official at southern Cape game reserve trampled to death by elephant
Image: 123RF/Chris Fourie
A 39-year-old senior official at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve outside Mossel Bay was trampled to death by an elephant while doing his usual rounds on Tuesday.
The deceased has been identified as FC Conradie, CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve.
Police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies said: “Emergency services were summoned after the man was trampled by an elephant at about 8am. He had multiple injuries. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene.”
The elephant was moved away from the camp, Spies said. An inquest docket has been opened.
In a statement, the game reserve said: “A devoted husband, father of three young children, and a cherished friend to many, FC was a beloved and highly respected figure — both within Gondwana and across the broader conservation community.”
It said his death left the team at Gondwana and many others in profound shock and mourning.
A close family friend and spokesperson for the reserve, speaking on behalf of the Gondwana team, said: “This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a visionary and a truly remarkable human being.”
The spokesperson asked for privacy and space for the family.
The game reserve said Conradie was a passionate conservationist whose vision and leadership helped establish Gondwana as one of South Africa’s leading private game reserves.
“His unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, community upliftment and sustainable tourism left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He led with integrity, compassion, and purpose — qualities that inspired all who knew him.”
TimesLIVE
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