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CEO of Gondwana Game Reserve killed by elephant

FC Conradie was tragically killed while attempting to move elephants at the reserve.

July 23, 2025 at 12:19 PM

Multi-millionaire owner of top South African game reserve is gored and trampled to death by rogue bull elephant while trying to move it away from tourist lodges

FC Conradie tragically lost his life while trying to protect tourists at Gondwana Private Game Reserve.

Owner of Gondwana Game Reserve killed by bull elephant while moving herd

FC Conradie, the 39-year-old CEO of Gondwana Private Game Reserve in South Africa, was killed by a bull elephant on-site. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. as he attempted to move a herd away from tourist lodges during a busy period at the luxury resort. Witnesses report that the elephant charged and trampled Conradie, causing fatal injuries before rangers could intervene. This tragic event marks the second death of a staff member at this reserve, as a similar attack took place last year, raising alarm about safety protocols at the facility. The reserve is popular among celebrities and tourists, charging £900 per couple per night for access to its esteemed safari experience.

Key Takeaways

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FC Conradie was killed while moving a herd of elephants at Gondwana Private Game Reserve.

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This incident is the second fatality caused by an elephant at the reserve.

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Conradie was known for his love of wildlife and had extensive education in related fields.

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The reserve charges £900 per couple per night, attracting high-profile clientele.

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There are growing concerns about safety protocols for staff and guests at wildlife reserves.

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The investigation into death highlights ongoing challenges in managing human-animal interactions.

"He had been trampled and mauled by the elephant."

This statement from South African police details the circumstances of the tragic incident.

"FC was a great guy to work for, and he loved his elephants."

A source at the game reserve shares memories of Conradie, highlighting his dedication to wildlife.

"Because he is the boss man, everybody has been warned to say absolutely nothing."

A senior source indicates a culture of silence after the tragic incident.

"This heartbreaking event has shaken us all."

A spokesperson from Gondwana expresses the collective grief within the organization.

The incident highlights the dangers inherent in interactions between humans and wildlife in safari environments. It raises critical questions about animal behavior management and emergency response protocols at game reserves. With the increasing popularity of safari tourism, there is a tightening balance between wildlife preservation and visitor safety. The fact that this is the second such incident at Gondwana underscores a troubling pattern that should prompt urgent reviews of policies focusing on human-elephant interactions, especially given the high-profile visitors the reserve attracts. As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential for Gondwana to address these concerns openly to maintain public trust.

Highlights

A tragic reminder of the risks at wildlife reserves
We must prioritize safety in eco-tourism
The loss of a passionate leader shakes the community
Elephants may be gentle, but they are still wild.

Concerns over safety and public reaction

The tragic death of FC Conradie brings renewed scrutiny to safety measures at wildlife reserves, raising concerns among tourists and staff alike. Similar past incidents also highlight ongoing risks associated with human-wildlife interactions.

As Gondwana reevaluates its practices, the safety of both guests and wildlife must remain the priority.

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gondwana elephants safari wildlife tourism wildlife safety business politics tourism

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