24-07-2025
Zoo-enthusiast multi-millionaire 'bossman' trampled to death by his 'favourite' elephants
Francois Christiaan Conradie
, the multi-millionaire owner of
Gondwana Private Game Reserve
, was tragically killed on July 22 at 8 am after being trampled by a charging elephant. The incident occurred as Conradie was attempting to guide a group of elephants away from tourist lodges at the luxurious South African game reserve.
The six-ton bull elephant reportedly gored Mr. Conradie with its tusks and trampled him multiple times, leaving nearby rangers unable to intervene. "Because he is the boss man, everybody has been warned to say absolutely nothing or they will be out the same day, it is a big clamp down," a senior source at Gondwana stated. "FC was a great guy to work for, and he loved his elephants, which were his favourite, and he felt he had a trust with them, but you have to never forget they may live in a reserve but are wild. He will be greatly missed by all here."
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Conradie, who also owned the Caylix Group sports management company, was known for his deep passion for elephants and nature. He held honors degrees in zoology, animal studies, commerce, and marketing, and was described as "an ambitious entrepreneur and passionate about nature."
Gondwana Game Reserve issued a tribute, remembering Mr. Conradie as "more than a leader – he was a mentor, a visionary, and a truly remarkable individual," and a "cherished leader, devoted husband, and father of three." The reserve has requested privacy for the family and appealed to the public to avoid speculation as an investigation into the incident is underway. It remains unknown if guests at the Big 5 reserve, a popular destination for celebrities and tourists, witnessed the violent attack.
Disturbingly, this marks the second fatal
elephant attack
at Gondwana in just over a year. In March 2023, staff member David Kandela, a 36-year-old married father, was killed while guiding a herd through the Eco Tent Lodge area. Mr. Kandela was gored, dragged into the bush, and dismembered by elephants, including a former circus elephant named Bonnie.
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Mr. Conradie's death has intensified discussions surrounding safety protocols within game reserves, underscoring the inherent risks of working with wild animals. Experts emphasize that even experienced professionals must exercise extreme caution when interacting with elephants, which can exhibit unpredictable behavior despite their generally calm demeanor.
