An American trophy hunter has died after being crushed by elephants during a hunting trip in Gabon.
Ernie Dosio, 75, was hunting a yellow-backed duiker, a forest antelope, when he and his guide encountered a group of elephants with a calf in the Lopé-Okanda National Park area.
The animals reportedly felt threatened and charged at the two men. Dosio was killed, and his guide was seriously injured.
Dosio, a vineyard owner from California, was known in hunting circles and had built a large collection of trophies over many years. Reports say his collection included animals such as elephants and lions, showing a long history of big-game hunting.
Trophy hunting is a global industry worth millions of dollars. Supporters say it is regulated and can support conservation. However, critics argue it leads to the killing of thousands of wild animals each year and raises serious ethical concerns.
In Africa, trophy hunting targets species such as elephants, lions and antelope. While some hunts are licensed, conservation groups warn that the broader impact on wildlife populations and ecosystems remains controversial.
Gabon is home to around 95,000 forest elephants, which make up a large part of the world’s remaining population. The species is considered endangered.
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