American hunter kill£d by elephants during hunting trip in Gabon

An American big-game hunter, Ernie Dosio, has died after being attacked by elephants during a hunting expedition in Central Africa.

The 75-year-old was on a guided trip in the Lope-Okanda National Park, located in Gabon, when the incident occurred. Reports indicate he was participating in a licensed hunt valued at around £30,000, targeting species including the yellow-backed duiker.

According to details from the scene, Dosio and a rofessional hunter unexpectedly encountered five female elephants with a calf in dense forest. The animals, apparently startled, reacted aggressively.

The thick vegetation meant the elephants appeared “as if from nowhere,” leaving little time to respond. The professional hunter was reportedly attacked first and lost his rifle during the encounter.

Dosio, who was left with only a shotgun, was unable to escape and was fatally trampled.

Over the years, he had built a reputation as an experienced hunter, having pursued various species across Africa and the United States.

A fellow hunter who knew him described the tragic moment, saying: “Ernie has been hunting since he could hold a rifle and has many trophies from Africa and the US.

“Although many disagree with big-game hunting, all Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers.

“Ernie had booked a hunt for dwarf forest buffalo and duikers, in particular the yellow-backed duiker and, under strict licensing laws, he could not take along his own guns.

“The hunting company would supply a shotgun and cartridges for the duiker hunt.

“Whilst in the forest Ernie and his PH (professional hunter) surprised five forest elephant cows with a calf. Feeling under threat the elephants immediately attacked them.

The professional hunter was attacked first and seriously injured, losing his rifle, leaving Mr Dosio with his shotgun.

The Hunter added: “I would rather not go into detail, but it is safe to assume it would have been quick.

“Ernie was a very well-known and popular hunter in the US and in Africa and a very keen conservationist and he did a hell of a lot of charity work and was a really good guy.

“What happened has been deeply felt by many each side of the Atlantic”

Authorities have confirmed that arrangements are underway to repatriate his body to California in the United States.