A 36-year-old guide at Gondwana Private Game Reserve was killed by an elephant passing through the reserve’s Tented Eco Camp on Sunday 10 March.
An article published by Mossel Bay Advertiser on Monday detailed the unfortunate loss of a field guide, David Kandela, on Sunday March 10.
As per the article, one of the reserve’s docile elephant herds was peacefully passing through the Gondwana Tented Eco Camp on Sunday, when the last elephant crossed paths with David, and the tragic incident unfolded.
“The herd, docile in nature, had nearly passed through the camp when David encountered the last elephant, just before the tragic event occurred,” says the press release, issued by the private reserve.
“There is an inherent risk in working closely with wild animals and the reality of such an incident, resulting in the loss of a colleague, is profoundly saddening.”
According to the release, David joined the reserve’s team of field guides in December 2023 and quickly rose to become a source of warmth and expertise among the Gondwana Private Game Reserve community. The statement reads:
“His untimely passing leaves a void within the Gondwana family, as David was not only a colleague but also a source of warmth and expertise among his peers. Our hearts and thoughts remain with David’s family and friends during this immensely difficult time. Gondwana pledges to support all those affected by this tragic incident.”
