An anti-poaching ranger has tragically died. He was killed by the very animal that he dedicated his life to protecting.
Anti-poaching ranger Schoeman Van Jaarsveld died last week at 58. He was killed by a black rhino, which he spent years protecting. It's a tragedy that is as ironic as it is sad. "His loss has been deeply felt among the anti-poaching community," a friend of Van Jaarsveld told reporters. "It is even more tragic that his life was taken by the very animal he was trying to keep safe."
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at the Samara Karoo Reserve on April 23. Van Jaarsveld was patrolling on foot with others. They had been tracking a black rhino when the animal suddenly charged them. It impaled the ranger with its horn, causing fatal injuries.
"Something went very wrong and they came face to face and my friend was badly gored," a field ranger who worked with Van Jaarsveld told The Sun. "There were no shots fired. The rhino was not hurt. Schoeman was a very good man."
Ranger Killed by Rhino
"Another member of the security team was slightly injured. No shots were fired and the black rhino was not hurt. A full investigation is underway into just what happened," the reserve said in a statement, per the U.S. Sun.
The ranger made sure the animal wasn't hurt despite his injuries. Sadly, he later succumbed before rescue could get to him.
"His loss has been deeply felt among the anti-poaching community," one friend said, per the U.S. Sun. "It is even more tragic that his life was taken by the very animal he was trying to keep safe."
The reserve released a statement following the death of the ranger.
"Our thoughts are with Schoeman's family and friends and as a mark of respect we will be helping with the funeral following the tragic loss of a member of the Samara team," the statement read.
