A California man with decades of big-game hunting experience was killed earlier this month during a safari in Gabon after being charged and trampled by a group of elephants in dense rainforest terrain.

Ernie Dosio, 75, a vineyard owner from Lodi, was hunting in the Lope-Okanda National Park when the incident occurred. According to reports, Dosio was pursuing a yellow-backed duiker, a small and elusive forest antelope, as part of a guided expedition.

The attack reportedly involved a group of five female African elephants accompanied by a calf. Wildlife experts note that elephants, particularly females protecting young, can become highly aggressive when they perceive a threat.

Dosio was accompanied by a professional hunting guide, who was attacked first and seriously injured when the animals emerged suddenly from thick underbrush. The dense forest environment limited visibility, leaving little time to react as the herd charged.

After the guide was incapacitated, Dosio was left exposed with limited means of defense against the approaching animals. The elephants, which can weigh several tons and reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, overwhelmed him during the encounter.

Dosio had traveled to Gabon for a licensed hunting trip reportedly costing tens of thousands of dollars. Over the years, he had hunted a wide range of game species across Africa and the United States, including large mammals such as buffalo and deer.

Individuals familiar with Dosio described him as an experienced outdoorsman and active participant in conservation-related hunting programs, which often involve regulated culling practices intended to manage wildlife populations. Supporters of such programs argue they contribute to conservation funding, while critics continue to oppose big-game hunting on ethical grounds.

Dosio was also known in his local community for his agricultural business and charitable efforts. He owned Pacific AgriLands, which manages vineyard operations in California’s Central Valley, and was described by acquaintances as a low-profile businessman despite his success.

Authorities have not released additional details about the incident. Fatal encounters with wildlife remain rare but can occur in remote environments where large animals and human activity intersect, particularly in areas with limited visibility and unpredictable conditions.