In a shocking and tragic event, a 39-year-old multi-millionaire CEO was killed by an elephant at a South African Game Reserve. FC Conradie, the owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, died while trying to move a group of elephants away from tourist lodges.
The incident happened early in the morning on July 22. Conradie was known for his deep love for wildlife. He often photographed the elephants and believed he had a special bond with them. But on this day, things went horribly wrong.
Reports say that a large male elephant, weighing around six tons, turned on him. The elephant gored him with its tusks and trampled him. Rangers nearby tried to help but couldn’t save him in time.
Conradie wasn’t just a businessman. He also ran the Caylix Group, a sports management company. He had degrees in zoology, animal studies, commerce, and marketing. Friends and staff described him as kind, smart, and passionate about nature.
A staff member at the South African Game Reserve said, “He loved elephants. They were his favorite. But even if they are inside a reserve, they are still wild animals. FC forgot that for one moment. And that was enough.”
Gondwana Game Reserve is a popular luxury destination near Mossel Bay. It sits along the famous Garden Route and offers “Big Five” safari experiences. These include lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. Rooms can cost up to 900 pounds per couple per night. The lodge was fully booked at the time of the tragedy.
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This is not the first time such a thing has happened here. In March 2023, another man, David Kandela, was also killed by elephants at the same reserve. He was helping guide a herd through the Eco Tent Lodge area. Like Conradie, he was gored and dragged into the bush.
Both deaths have raised serious questions. Are safety rules enough? Are humans getting too close to wild animals? Many say that even trained experts need to be more careful. Elephants might seem calm but can act without warning.
In a statement, Gondwana said Conradie was more than a CEO. He was a leader, mentor, and a father of three. The team asked for privacy and respect for the family. They also requested people not to spread rumors as the investigation continues.
The South African Game Reserve community is in shock. People are mourning the loss of a man who loved nature and risked his life protecting it.
But his death is also a reminder. No matter how much we love the wild, it doesn’t always love us back.
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