Well-known veteran Kruger National Park wildlife ranger Sergeant Aaron Nkuna has died on Thursday, September 10.
Former colleague and long time friend Wynand du Toit relayed how he enjoyed working with Nkuna for many years.
‘I had the pleasure of working with Sergeant Aaron Nkuna in the Pretoriuskop Section of the Kruger National Park and spent fighting many a veld fire in awe of his skill, knowledge and passion for all Kruger National Park. I first met Sergeant Nkuna in 2002 whilst based in Pretoriuskop and when he retired after a 37 year dedication to the Kruger National Park he joined my team,’ Du Toit said.
Sergeant Aaron Nkuna
‘There was no youngster that could out walk the Sergeant and in my opinion there was very few true warriors like Sergeant Nkuna. I am ever thankful for our moments of madness, our time spend trying to understand our mix and match language, our morning ritual of saluting each other on the stoep of my office. He was an amazing leader, human being, conservationist, soldier and warrior. I have one big regret and that is that I didn’t have the resources at the time to record all Aaron’s expeditions and experiences,’ Du Toit added.
‘The conservation world has lost a true and brave hero. I salute you for a final time tonight Sergeant Aaron Nkuna, I thank you for your service and friend, I wish you a well deserved rest. Sala Kahle Sergeant, you will forever be in my Kruger memories.’
Nkuna dedicated his life to conservation, spending an exceptional 37 years in the Kruger National Park until his retirement in 2006. He spent most of this time in the Stolznek section of the Kruger National Park working under the now retired Regional Ranger Mike English.
The cause of his death is not confirmed.
Image credit: Facebook/Wynand du Toit
