A South African safari park owner who once said he would rather die in an elephant attack than shoot one has tragically been killed in exactly that way.
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Gary Freeman, 65, died on April 9, 2026, after being attacked by an elephant at the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where he was a co-owner.
Freeman reportedly pulled out a firearm in an attempt to scare the animal away, but chose not to fire.
Elephant Attack Turns Fatal for Safari Owner Who Refused to Shoot
According to The Daily Mail, the incident unfolded rapidly as Freeman was guiding a group near the Klaserie River.
"As the group were walking an elephant suddenly emerged and charged at him," Police spokesman Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said. "He tried to scare it off with the revolver he was carrying but he was ultimately attacked by the elephant."
The animal closed the distance quickly, leaving little chance for escape.
A group of four tourists rushed to help. They managed to lift the injured safari owner onto a vehicle before transporting him for medical attention.
Despite their efforts, his injuries proved fatal.
"Gary tried to break the charge, but he never fired a shot," a source told the outlet. "The elephant was very quickly on him, and it was, as you can imagine, not pleasant."
"There is nothing anyone can do to stop six ton of angry elephant. Fortunately, it was all over quickly."
Veteran Guide Remembered for Lifelong Respect for Wildlife
Freeman was known for his deep respect and passion for wildlife, particularly elephants.
He had been leading a group along the riverbank at the time of the attack. It was an area home to hundreds of wild animals.
A mechanical engineering graduate, Freeman spent more than three decades running Gary Freeman Safaris after beginning his career as a ranger.
He also co-owned the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. It was established in 1969 when 36 farm owners combined land to create one of South Africa's largest Big Five reserves.
"The Big Five are a group of animals traditionally believed to be the most dangerous to hunt on foot, including the elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo and leopard," The Daily Mail's Joe Rossiter wrote.
"Klaserie is home to around 750 wild elephants and also hosts rhino, lions, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hyena, buck and hundreds of different types of bird."
Details surrounding Freeman's death have only recently emerged. This was following a police inquest in Limpopo Province.
No action has been taken against the elephant. Although experts have reportedly been brought in to assess its behavior and any potential risk to others.
