Ian Gibson was a lauded Texas-born hunter who died at the age of 55 after being crushed to death by a baby elephant which he intended to kill for its ivory.
Gibson was working for U.S. clients and safari enthusiasts who were constantly looking for new trophies to get their hands on.
When the 55-year-old hunter was measuring the ivory of a young elephant in Zimbabwe, however, Gibson was in for a big surprise. In the incident, which happened in Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe back in 2016, the elephant crushed him to death.
According to Safari Classics, “Ian was able to get off one shot before the bull killed him. The scene was very graphic.”
While various Safari clubs paid their tributes to their colleague who they described as “strong” and “fit” despite not having one leg, plenty of commenters were thrilled by the news that he had been killed off by his own victim.
According to the animal rights supporters, Gibson “got what he deserved” and the animal simply did what it had to in order to stay alive.
In response to the criticism, AfricaHunting.com described the hunter as a “magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist.”
Their statement read:
“We know ‘Gibbo’ shot it once, from about 10 yards away, with a 458. He would never have fired unless he had no alternative. He was a hunter, yes, but he was also a magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist. He was so experienced and this is a most unexpected tragedy.”
According to the WWF, “despite a ban on the international trade in ivory, African elephants are still being poached in large numbers. Tens of thousands of elephants are being killed every year for their ivory tusks. The ivory is often carved into ornaments and jewelry – China is the biggest consumer market for such products.”
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