Get you up to speed: South Africa’s Gary Freeman killed by charging elephant during tourist tour
Gary Freeman, co-owner of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, was killed by a charging elephant while leading a walking tour on April 9. He attempted to scare off the elephant with his firearm, but did not fire at it before being attacked.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba of Limpopo Police reported that Gary Freeman was attacked by a female elephant while walking with tourists, despite attempts to scare it off with his revolver. Following the incident, emergency medical personnel were summoned, but Freeman was unfortunately certified dead upon their arrival.
A tribute from Klaserie Private Nature Reserve expressed that Gary Freeman’s “presence, kindness, and contribution to this landscape will be deeply missed by all who knew him.” The reserve also emphasised the importance of community support during this difficult time for his family, friends, and colleagues.
Safari park owner trampled to death by elephant in front of guided tour | News World
Gary Freeman had guided tours in the area for more than 30 years (Picture: Jamie Pyatt News Ltd)
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 in the north-east of the country, is said to have previously told his guests he would rather die in an elephant attack than shoot one.
According to the Daily Mail, the 65-year-old tried to scare away the animal by pulling out his firearm but did not fire at it.
The group of four 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 will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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‘Our heartfelt condolences go out 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 one another with care, compassion, and understanding.’
According to reports in South Africa, the elephant involved in the incident was a female.
The animals can reach 3 tons in weight and average at around 8ft 6in tall.
Male African elephants can reach around six tons, while females are half that size (Picture: Klaseriereserve.co.za)
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a spokesman for Limpopo Police, said: ‘The deceased, who is the owner of the game reserve, was touring with the tourists and at some point alighted from their vehicle and walked on foot.
‘As 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 driver and tracker together with other tourists took him to a safe place and summoned the emergency medical personnel. Upon their arrival, he was unfortunately certified dead.
‘There is no evidence that suggests the firearm was used.’
Mr Freeman was leading the tour along the banks of the Klaserie River at the time (Picture: Claire Galaway – Insidehook)
Gary Freeman Safaris was founded in 1993, according to its website, and specialises in wilderness walking tours.
A description says: ‘The objective of the trail is to expose the trailists to the game reserve environment, looking at all aspects, both large and small.
‘Time is spent unravelling the intricacies of the bush and admiring many of the smaller species that would otherwise be overlooked if traveling in a vehicle.’
Mr Freeman had been involved in environmental education for almost 40 years, starting in 1987.
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