Ian Gibson Trampled While Hunting Elephant, Hunter’s Death Cheered By Conservationists
In Africa, Ian Gibson got trampled while he was hunting an elephant for sport with a client. The hunter died from the trampling and already some conservationist organizations are cheering on the hunter’s death, but fellow hunters point out that modern big game hunting actually helps modern conservation efforts.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, another big game hunter named Corey Knowlton paid $350,000 in order to kill a rare black rhino, which is on the verge of extinction. But the Texas hunter claims he’s killing the black rhino in order to save the species. Female hunter Rebecca Francis inspired outrage with a photo because it showed her laying down and smiling while next to a dead giraffe, but the huntress explained that killing the giraffe was actually out of mercy, which also helped the local population.
The website Africa Hunting provided the details about the elephant that trampled on Ian Gibson.
“The details are just starting to emerge as we write this. However it appears that Ian and his client had been on the tracks of an elephant bull for approximately 5 hours when they decided to take a break and allow the client to rest. Feeling he was quite close to the elephant, Ian and his tracker Robert continued to follow the tracks in hopes of getting a look at the ivory as the client, stayed with the game scout to rest. Robert indicated the bull was in musk. They eventually caught up to the bull, spotting him at about 50-100 meters. The bull instantly turned and began a full charge. Ian and Robert began shouting in order to stop the charge. At very close range, Ian was able to get off one shot before the bull killed him. The scene was very graphic.”
The Facebook page for Safari Classics, Gibson’s employer, also made the announcement in addition to offering condolences for the slain hunter’s family.
“Ian Gibson was a fine man, a great friend, and one of the most experienced professional hunters on the African continent. He will be deeply missed by all. All thoughts and prayers for Ian’s family and the entire Chifuti Safaris team are greatly appreciated.”
Safari Classics also says they are raising support for Ian’s family, and they are asking any contributors to send person checks, payable to “Ian Gibson, to this address.
Tim Danklef
Safari Classics
5206 McKinney Ave
Suite 101
Dallas, Texas 75205
When the Facebook page went viral, some offered sympathy for Ian Gibson, while others claimed that a “guy who murders innocent animals” cannot be a good person. One comment was even more blunt, saying, “No sympathy. I hope you’re letting the elephant take his trophy home.”
One organization, the society for conserving planet and life (COPAL), apparently even created an image that cheered on the hunter’s death.
One fellow hunter wrote a post which claims there is more to the situation than “hooray for the elephant.”
“Gibson was the Professional Hunter, the guide who insures that the client is able to safely make the kill and manages every aspect of the client’s experience. If all goes well, the PH rarely has to discharge a firearm. If things do not go well, the PH puts himself between the quarry and the client and attempts to stop the charge with a well placed shot. If that does not work, then he gets the horns, claws or tusks and the grim results that follow. In modern times, the PH is almost always an avid conservationist who works within the laws of the country to harvest wildlife that is mature and insure that the conservation of the species is well funded and that the species as a whole is healthy and at sustainable population levels.”
This post notes that the money generated by hunting elephants in the safari goes to support the conservation efforts in countries like Zimbabwe, which pays the salaries of game wardens who work to protect endangered species. Other hunters also provided videos, which showed Gibson at work.
Do you think it’s right to cheer on the elephant that trampled on hunter Ian Gibson?
[Image via Africa Hunting]
