A 75-year-old American millionaire hunter was tragically killed after being ambushed by a herd of elephants while on a hunting trip in Gabon, Central Africa. The incident underscores the inherent risks of big-game hunting and the power of wildlife in their natural environment.

Tragic Incident in Gabon

Ernie Dosio, a seasoned big-game hunter and owner of Pacific AgriLands, a California vineyard, died while hunting in the rainforests of Gabon. Dosio, known for his extensive collection of hunting trophies, was fatally trampled by five female elephants protecting their calf.

Details of the Attack

The incident occurred during a £30,000 hunt for the yellow-backed duiker, a small forest antelope. Dosio and his professional hunter (PH) were unexpectedly charged by the elephant herd, which moved with surprising speed and force.

The dense forest provided cover for the elephants, allowing them to launch a sudden attack. The PH was initially injured and disarmed, leaving Dosio to defend himself with a shotgun.

A Lifetime of Hunting and Conservation

Dosio had decades of experience hunting across Africa and the United States, successfully tracking elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, lions, and various deer species. His hunts were reportedly conducted under strict licensing regulations and framed as contributing to conservation efforts through controlled culling.

Aftermath and Repatriation

The US Embassy in Gabon is handling the repatriation of Dosio’s body to his home in Lodi, California. Collect Africa, the safari company involved, confirmed the incident, stating that both Dosio and his PH encountered the elephants while pursuing a yellow-backed duiker.

Dosio is survived by his sons, Jeff and Blake, who run Pacific AgriLands, a vineyard management company vital to the Californian wine industry. Acquaintances remember Dosio as a well-respected and generous individual deeply involved in charitable work and conservation.

Gabon’s Wildlife and Risks

Gabon, often called 'Africa’s last Eden,’ is a biodiversity hotspot and home to a significant portion of the world’s remaining forest elephants. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with big-game hunting and the formidable power of wild animals in their natural habitat.