Gary Freeman, a South African safari park owner, was killed by a charging elephant on April 9. He was leading a group of tourists on a guided hike when the elephant attacked. Freeman brandished his revolver to try to scare the elephant off but did not pull the trigger.
His group of four tourists helped get him onto a vehicle and rushed him for medical attention, but nothing could be done. Freeman was a co-owner of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and was known as 'Thutwa', which means giraffe in the local Tswana language. He had said he would rather be killed by an elephant than shoot one.
Police in Limpopo Province have opened an inquest into Freeman's death. No action has been taken against the elephant, but experts have been called in to study its behavior and assess its threat to others. In a separate incident, Janet Taylor Easton, a British tourist, was fatally trampled by an elephant at South Luangwa National Park in Zambia on July 3.
In Loving Memory of Gary Freeman. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Gary Freeman, a valued and respected member of the Klaserie community. Gary was a true gentleman and an integral part of the fabric of the Klaserie. His presence, kindness, and contribution to this landscape will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 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. Gary will always remain part of the Klaserie.
She died alongside her cousin Alison Taylor, a New Zealand tourist. Easton was on a walking safari holiday organized by travel company Expert Africa. On the day of her death, she was on a guided walk and had left camp early to attend a safety briefing.
The group was accompanied by a guide, known as a scout, and followed by a tracker. The guide spotted a female elephant with a younger, sub-adult elephant that appeared peaceful and adjusted the walk to remain downwind and undetected. The tracker saw the elephant charging from behind and shouted to the scout, who fired a warning shot, but the elephant did not stop.
The elephant reached the group very quickly, and Janet Taylor Easton fell. The cause of her death was traumatic thoracic injuries and elephant attack. Janet Taylor Easton's death has been recorded as misadventure following an inquest held at Bradford Coroner's Court.
A report from the Zambian Ministry of Tourism was received for the inquest but did not add much information. The specific triggers for both elephant charges have not been determined, and it is unknown what safety protocols were in place during these safaris and whether they were followed.