Tributes pour in for Thornybush field guide

Sheldon Hooper (27) together with his colleague were doing a routine check when they came across a herd of elephants on Tuesday, 18 August.

Trevor Jordan, manager at Thornybush River Lodge, said the colleague managed to escape and call for help, however, Hooper succumbed to his injuries before he could get any help from the emergency services.

The elephant tusk pierced Hooper in his chest just below his heart.

“He lost a lot of blood and died within 20 minutes of the incident,” said Jordan.

Also read: HOEDSPRUIT: Conservationist killed by one of his beloved white lions

He described Hooper as a very calm, kind and a knowledgeable person who knew a lot about elephants.

“He displayed a vast knowledge about wildlife, what happened was sad and unfortunate,” he said.

Jordan said he went on a game drive with Hooper two days before the tragic incident and they shared their knowledge about life in the wild.

Sheldon’s father, Gordon Hooper, expressed his sadness over his son’s death.

“I will miss his incredibly warm and firm bear hugs along with his highly infectious laughter and keen energy. Sheldon was a compassionate, strong, patient and humorous
man with an exceptional empathy for ordinary people,” he said.

His colleague Mandla Mathonsi described him as a very kind guy. “He was a great man and very kind, he was also a knowledgeable guy who loved nature with all his heart.

He was very open to everyone, always laughing with people around him.Sheldon was a good guy. I won’t forget him, I will always remember him we use to call each other brothers for life. He was really a great man,” he said.

Thornybush River Lodge wrote a statement on Facebook: “As a guest or a friend of Sheldon’s, you would have had the pleasure of experiencing his incredible kindness, infectious smile and love of the bush. His repertoire of knock-knock jokes couldn’t help but make you chuckle, no matter how you were feeling, and the adaptation of his signature fist-bump or highfive greeting, to a foot bump during Covid, would have been seen all over Waterside Lodge, which is where he was stationed.

Sheldon joined Thornybush in July 2019, and fast made his way into the hearts of his colleagues, with his quirky sense of humour, the respect he showed those he worked with, his dedication for conservation and his talent for story-telling.

His keen eye behind the camera was also noted early on – as was his willingness to share his knowledge with guests of all ages, as well as his team members. Sheldon was also a gifted writer, contributing to our Thornybush blog.

Sheldon’s life was a celebration of his passions and he is sorely missed by all.”

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Those who were lucky to experience his hospitality during their visit at the lodge took to Facebook to send their message of condolences.

“We will all miss you Sheldon. Great memories from our trip in 2016 as you, Matt and Francois were the best,” wrote Greg Drawbaugh.

Bianca Gordon wrote “Heartbroken to hear of your tragic passing. Although we hadn’t been in contact for a few years now, you were a dear friend through high school and you will be so sorely missed. Sincere condolences to your family.”

His memorial service was held on Sunday, 23 August at Thornybush River Lodge.