Death of California Hunter Ernie Dosio in Elephant Encounter in Gabon
Introduction
On April 17, Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old California vineyard owner and experienced big-game hunter, died after being trampled by a herd of elephants in the Lopé-Okanda rainforest in Gabon. The incident has led to questions about his hunting activities and sparked a range of public reactions.
Main Body
According to statements from the safari operator Collect Africa and officials, Dosio was taking part in a $40,000 guided expedition to hunt a yellow-backed duiker, a rare forest antelope. He was with a professional hunter when they unexpectedly came across five female forest elephants with a calf. The elephants, hidden by thick plants, charged immediately. The professional hunter was hit first and suffered serious injuries, losing his rifle. Dosio, who only had a shotgun for smaller animals, was knocked down and trampled. Collect Africa confirmed the death of a client and the injury of the professional hunter. The US Embassy in Gabon is overseeing the return of Dosio's remains to California. The family learned of the death through their lawyers before being contacted directly, according to Dosio's ex-wife, Rinda Butler Dosio. She described confusion in the early reports, noting that initial accounts mistakenly said the attack was by buffalo and that another man had been killed (the safari company stated he was injured). Dosio's son, Jeff Dosio, claimed that the story of his father's final moments had been 'twisted' and indicated that more information would come out. He expressed distress over the public sharing of photographs from the family's trophy room. Dosio had spent decades hunting in Africa and the United States, pursuing dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalo. His trophy room contained many mounted specimens. Associates emphasized that his hunts were legally licensed and part of conservation culling programs. A retired hunter asserted that all of Dosio's hunts were strictly licensed and registered as conservation efforts. The practice of trophy hunting remains controversial; animal welfare groups criticize it, and some political parties have promised to ban imports of trophies. The Global Sanctuary for Elephants estimates that between 300 and 500 people are killed each year in elephant attacks. The death sparked online commentary, including a post by comedian Ricky Gervais that was criticized by some users. Defenders of Dosio argued that his hunting helped control animal populations and supported conservation, whereas critics condemned the celebration of his death. One user responded to Gervais's post by accusing him of ignorance about wildlife conservation, and another described those cheering the death as uninformed. Dosio was the owner of Pacific AgriLands, managing a 12,000-acre vineyard operation in Modesto, California, a region that produces about 40% of the state's wine. His son Jeff serves as president of the company, and another son, Blake, is also involved. Dosio served on the board of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, was a life member of California Wildfowl, a prominent figure in the Sacramento Safari Club, and held the title of Great Elk in the California Central District Elks. Friends described him as generous and community-oriented, with one lodge secretary noting his willingness to help others without seeking recognition.
Conclusion
The death of Ernie Dosio has highlighted the risks involved in big-game hunting and the different opinions about the practice. His family continues to seek clarity on the events, while the return of his remains proceeds.