A wealthy American man was trampled to death by an elephant herd while hunting in Gabon; he was previously known for his passion for trophy hunting.

American Hunter Killed by Five Elephants in Gabon

Africa – Ernie Dosio, a wealthy American millionaire from California who was passionate about "trophy hunting," was trampled to death on April 17, 2026, in the rainforest region of Lopé, located in central Gabon, after being violently attacked by a startled group of forest elephants. He was 75 years old at the time. His guide sustained serious injuries. This tragic accident ultimately cost him his life, bringing an end to his long-standing record of hunting achievements.

On April 17, during a jungle hunting expedition, Ernie Dosio and his guide unexpectedly encountered a group of five female elephants accompanied by their young calves. Upon detecting the intruders, the elephants perceived a threat and charged. The guide fired shots but was knocked down, while Ernie Dosio was swiftly trampled and killed on the spot. He died immediately. African Collectives (Collect Africa) issued a statement announcing the death of this client. At the time of the incident, Ernie Dosio was posing for a photograph with his hunting trophies. Bobby Hanson Safari Tours Facebook page

According to a report by the Daily Mail, a retired hunter who knew Ernie Dosio claimed that Dosio had been hunting since childhood and owned a large collection of animal mounts. He also added that "all of Ernie's hunting activities were strictly authorized" and were part of "conservation efforts aimed at controlling animal population numbers."

Before his death, Dosio was the founder of Pacific AgriLands, a California-based agricultural company, which included 12,000 acres of vineyards. He was also a core member of the Sacramento Safari Club.

For decades, he traveled extensively across Africa and North America, amassing a hunting record that included elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, zebras, crocodiles, bears, reindeer, moose, elk, and virtually every species of deer found in North America. He established a private exhibition space at his home called "Ernie Dosio’s Game Room," filled with animal heads and pelts taken from his kills. This room even served as a venue for club fundraising galas, with a dinner table for eight priced at $1,650.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863493915925635/

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