A 75-year-old American millionaire known for his cross-continental wildlife hunts has died after an unexpected encounter with a herd of elephants in Central Africa. Ernie Dosio, an experienced trophy hunter and vineyard owner from California, was on an expedition to Gabon when the incident occurred. While tracking a rare antelope through a dense forest, he and his professional guide unexpectedly encountered a herd of elephants. Within seconds the situation turned deadly and the animals charged, Dosio was crushed to death and his guide was seriously injured.
How five elephants attacked 75-year-old trophy hunter
The attack reportedly occurred in dense rainforest near Lope-Ocanda National Park, where visibility is low and wild animals can emerge without warning. While tracking the elusive yellow-backed duiker, a rare species of forest antelope, Dosio and his guide unknowingly walked into a herd of five forest elephants. Hidden in dense vegetation, the animals were discovered too late.The elephants, believed to be females with calves, reacted immediately and charged when they sensed a threat, according to people familiar with the matter.The professional hunter accompanying Dosio was hit first in the initial charge, thrown aside and wounded. In the confusion, he lost his rifle in the bushes, leaving Dosio with only a shotgun.The elephant then turned on Dosio and trampled him under their combined weight. The attack is believed to have been so fast that once the cattle charged at close range there was little chance of escape.
Why elephants are deadly
The African forest elephant is one of the most powerful land animals on Earth, weighing several tons and moving at incredible speeds. Although these animals are often described as calm, they can become very aggressive when they feel threatened, especially when calves are present.Gabon is home to about 60% of the world’s remaining forest elephants, making encountering one in its dense forests more likely. Experts estimate that elephants kill 300 to 500 people worldwide each year, often in sudden defensive attacks.
The experienced hunter keeps an extensive collection of animal trophies at his home in California.
the hunt of a lifetime
Dorsio spent decades traveling the world chasing big animals, amassing a vast collection of trophies that included lions, elephants, buffalo and deer. He is well known in the hunting community in the United States and Africa and is considered an experienced outdoorsman.At the time of his death, he was reportedly trying to add the yellow-backed duiker, a challenging and highly sought-after species by hunters, to his collection.Friends and colleagues described him as a larger-than-life figure who was also deeply involved in charity work, regularly supporting veterans and disadvantaged people.Safari operator Collect Africa confirmed that a client died after encountering an elephant during a safari, while the injured guide survived.
