Tributes Pour In for FC Conradie, CEO of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, Killed by Elephant

• The CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, FC Conradie, tragically lost his life in an elephant incident
• An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and authorities have opened an inquest docket after Conradie was declared dead
• Tributes have poured in from the conservation community and beyond, mourning the loss of a dedicated conservationist and leader, with many sharing condolences and memories of Conradie's impact and legacy

The conservation community is reeling after the tragic death of FC Conradie, CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, who was killed in an elephant incident on the morning of Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

Tributes pour in for CEO trampled by elephant

The death of the 39-year-old was confirmed by Gondwana Private Game Reserve on Facebook on 23 July.

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the untimely passing of FC Conradie (39), CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve, who tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on the morning of Tuesday, 22 July," reads the statement.

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According to the post, the fatal incident occurred around 8 AM. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Conradie was declared dead shortly after their arrival. Authorities confirmed that he had been trampled by an elephant.

Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp of the KwaNonqaba Police Station confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and that an official investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

IOL reported that Conradie was on the property when the elephant charged and trampled him, according to witnesses.

"The elephant involved in the incident has since been moved from the area as a precaution," Kapp added while speaking to the publication mentioned above.

A spokesperson for the game reserve, speaking on behalf of the Conradie family and the Gondwana team, said:

“This is an unimaginable loss. FC was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a visionary and a truly remarkable human being. We kindly ask for privacy and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time. Everyone who knew FC is grieving deeply.”

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On behalf of the family, the spokesperson has urged the public not to speculate as investigations continue.

Tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond, mourning the loss of a man whose life was dedicated to preserving the beauty of nature and uplifting those around him.

Here is the post below:

SA sends condolences

The online community of Mzansi was touched by the tragic loss of the CEO and co-owner of Gondwana Private Game Reserve as they flooded the post with messages of tribute and upliftment.

Janeen Marion Ostrowski said:

"This is so sad to read but like our great wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin who died doing what he loved, sometimes we just have to accept that although they were here for a short time the impact they had and the passion they shared is so intense and the legacy they leave behind them lives on way longer than somebody who’s lived to be 100."

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Vanessa Bristow added:

"The essence of a true conservationist is that they work in close proximity with the animals they love. The danger is always second to their passion. I lost my husband to a poached and injured buffalo. He died a hero in my eyes. I hope there is some comfort to the Conradie family in FC's legacy."

Erica Klocke wrote:

"How terribly sad! And the trauma for his family, the void left...I can identify with this. Lost our wonderful son similarly in 2000, aged 28. May you all find peace in time."

Deborah Greene Stokes expressed:

"Oh, my goodness!!! We spent 4 days there last September and it was life-changing!!! Prayers for the family and prayers for Gondwana, may it continue in his legacy!"

3 Relevant stories about unusual elephant seals

• Briefly News reported that a man at a beach near Gordon's Bay in the Western Cape shared a video of a large elephant seal making its way to shore.
• An elephant seal returned safely to the ocean after surprising the residents of Gordon’s Bay community, leading to a road closure.
• An elephant seal in Gordon's Bay, Western Cape, went viral on social media as it had an adventure in the town.

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Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News