MBOMBELA – The head ranger of training at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve was discharged from hospital yesterday morning after having been trampled by an elephant cow on Friday. He did not sustain any fractures or suffer internal bleeding.
A helicopter of the Mpumalanga Emergency Medical Services airlifted Mr Conrad Zeelie (23) to Mediclinic Nelspruit the morning after the encounter with the animal. According to Mr Rod Wyndham, managing director of Sabi Sabi, the man was conducting a training walk with trainee rangers when they were confronted by the elephant.
The animal proceeded to charge the ranger. “Everything was done to try and turn the charging elephant, but to no avail. He therefore had no option but to take necessary action resulting in the elephant being shot fatally in order to defend his trainees,” Wyndham said.
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He added that Zeelie was a highly qualified Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) guide. “He is very experienced and he took the decision to act in the best interests of safety as set down in his training,” Wyndham added.
He described the fact that the ranger did not sustain any fractures or suffer internal bleeding as a “miracle” and added that he was, however badly bruised. “He will now recuperate at home.” He commended him for his bravery.
