Millionaire big-game hunter dies after being trampled by elephants | EUROtoday

A millionaire big-game hunter has been killed after being trampled by elephants whereas on a searching expedition.

Ernie Dosio, 75, had been trying to find a uncommon species of antelope within the Lope-Okanda forest in Gabon, central Africa, when a herd of 5 elephants emerged and crushed him underfoot.

The American vineyard-owner from Lodi, California, had collected an array of animal trophies throughout his lifetime, together with rhinos, elephants and lions.

Safari operator Collect Africa confirmed Mr Dosio’s loss of life, in line with a report within the Daily Mail. The firm stated {that a} skilled hunter who had been guiding Mr Dosio was additionally severely injured within the incident, which is alleged to have taken place on 17 April.

The staff had been looking out for a yellow-backed duiker, the biggest of all duikers, which is without doubt one of the most heavily-hunted species throughout forests in West and Central Africa.

The group of 5 elephants with a calf are stated to have been well-hidden within the undergrowth surrounding them. Elephants are the biggest land animals on earth, with grownup males weighing a median of 6,000kg and standing at 9 ft (3m) tall.

A buddy stated that Mr Dosio’s excursions have been “strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers”.

“I would rather not go into detail, but it is safe to assume that it would have been quick,” the buddy instructed the New York Post of the loss of life.

Hunting brochures on the Bobby Hansen Safaris web site present Mr Dosio posing with monster hogs, a Nile buffalo and an impala in Uganda. A visit from Tanzania consists of photos of the hunter with a gazelle and the elusive lesser kudu. In one image, he’s seen with the physique of a slain lion whereas holding a searching rifle. He is reported to have been unsuccessful in searching a leopard whereas on the expedition.

A caption learn: “He took a fantastic lion and some great plains game, although Mr Spots eluded us. We had males feeding that did not return, and we saw one male during the day, but we will get you a leopard, Ernie.”

Trophy-hunting is a controversial observe with marketing campaign teams in opposition to it for animal welfare and environmental causes. Political events, together with these within the UK, have promised to ban imports however have been accused of delaying laws.

It is estimated that between 300 and 500 individuals are killed yearly in elephant assaults, in line with the Global Sanctuary for Elephants.