Big Game Hunter Killed by the Elephant He Shot — It Fell on Top of Him

Trophy hunting is still prevalent in the modern era. It is a type of hunting that is completely non-essential, where the primary purpose is to obtain parts of an animal, such as a horn, head, or hide, as a trophy representing the hunter’s success and skills. However, there are instances where it is fatal not only for the hunted animals but also for the hunter, such as the case with Theunis Botha.

A Hunt Turns Fatal in Zimbabwe

In May 2017, Theunis Botha, a 51-year-old professional big game hunter from South Africa, conducted a hunting expedition when their group encountered a herd of breeding elephants. They approached the elephants slowly, but 3 of the adult elephants charged at them, causing Botha and the other hunters to open fire.

What they did not expect was that there was a fourth elephant who took the other side to charge at them. That elephant lifted Botha with its trunk, then the others fired at this elephant, causing her to collapse and fall on top of Botha, which fatally crushed him.

This hunting scenario is only one of many that led to a similar fate, and the story clearly shows the danger of unnecessary hunting for not only the animals but also the humans who kept on hunting them.

Read more: CBS News

Who Was Theunis Botha?

Big Game Hunter Gets Crushed By Elephant

Botha was renowned in the hunting community for leading them with a European style “Monteria hunts”. It is a style of hunting that utilizes dogs to drive an animal to a position where the hunters would be able to easily take it down.

He also has a company named Theunis Botha Big Game Safaris, which specializes in hunting lions and leopards in Africa, with the style mentioned above. He was someone who got clients for his hunting expeditions from the United States, so he visited often. Sadly, he was also a father of five, who now has to grow up without him.

As long as the demand is there, people will continue to hunt, unless the law prohibits them. However, if a group of wealthy individuals from a faraway country is impressed and would even pay for this activity, a lot of loops will be passed, and the danger will most likely be ignored.

The Incident Sparks Debate on Trophy Hunting

The death of Theunis Botha reignited discussions about the dangers of unnecessary hunting. This activity probably gives them a huge dopamine hit in their brain, after all, being a hunter is in our DNA. That is how we survived for thousands of years, but we have evolved now. Not only as a species, but as a society, who acts as a steward for all the living organisms on this world.

Their community and some experts, however, also provided an argument that regulated hunting can still be beneficial to maintain the balance in an ecosystem. Science would agree with this statement, as it can contribute to conservation efforts and even provide economic benefits to the community, but it all depends on how regulated and effective the laws set in place are.

Read more: National Geographic

Experienced Big Game Hunter Gets Crushed By Elephant Killed By His Safari Group

Author's Final Thoughts

Big game hunting is a dangerous and unpredictable activity that can be avoided completely. This tragic incident reminded us that the inherent risks involved might not be worth it. The relationship between humans and animals must also be taken into account. We should be the pioneers of respect, protection, and coexistence in this world where wildlife is already at risk, and where we have already caused multiple extinction events. It is time to ask if the thrill of the hunt is worth all the lives it could take, whether humans or animals.

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