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 prompted scrutiny of his hunting activities and generated a range of public reactions.
Main Body
According to statements from the safari operator Collect Africa and officials, Dosio was participating in a $40,000 guided expedition targeting a yellow-backed duiker, a rare forest antelope. He was accompanied by a professional hunter when the pair unexpectedly encountered five female forest elephants with a calf. The elephants, concealed by dense vegetation, charged immediately. The professional hunter was struck first, sustaining serious injuries and becoming separated from his rifle. Dosio, armed only with a shotgun intended for smaller game, 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 repatriation 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 initial reports, noting that early accounts mistakenly attributed the attack to buffalo and claimed that another man had been killed (the safari company stated he was injured). Dosio's son, Jeff Dosio, stated that the narrative of his father's final moments had been 'twisted' and indicated that further information would emerge. He expressed distress over the public dissemination of photographs from the family's trophy room. Dosio had spent decades hunting across Africa and the United States, pursuing dangerous game including elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalo. His trophy room contained numerous mounted specimens from various species. Associates insisted that his hunts were legally licensed and part of conservation culling programs. A retired hunter stated that all of Dosio's hunts were strictly licensed and registered as conservation efforts. The practice of trophy hunting remains controversial; animal welfare groups oppose 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 annually 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 contributed to population control and conservation, while critics condemned the celebration of his death. One user responded to Gervais's post by accusing him of ignorance regarding 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 responsible for approximately 40% of the state's wine production. 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 inherent in big-game hunting and the divergent perspectives on the practice. His family continues to seek clarity on the events, while the repatriation of his remains proceeds.