Gary Freeman had guided tours in the area for more than 30 years (Picture: Jamie Pyatt News Ltd)

The co-owner of a South African safari reserve was killed by a charging elephant while leading a walking tour.

Gary Freeman,who helped to run Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in the north-east of the country,is said to have previously told his guests he would rather die in an elephant attack than shoot one.

According to the Daily Mail,the 65-year-old tried to scare away the animal by pulling out his firearm but did not fire at it.

The group of four tourists on the trip helped him into the guide vehicle after the incident on April 9 but he soon ‘succumbed to his dreadful injuries’,a source told the newspaper.

Friends and colleagues of the experienced guide described him as a ‘true gentleman’ on social media.

A tribute from Klaserie reserve said: ‘His presence,kindness,and contribution to this landscape will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to Hanneke,his family,friends,and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they navigate this loss.‘In moments like these,the strength of the Klaserie lies in its community — in supporting one another with care,compassion,and understanding.’According to reports in South Africa,the elephant involved in the incident was a female.The animals can reach 3 tons in weight and average at around 8ft 6in tall.Male African elephants can reach around six tons,while females are half that size (Picture: Klaseriereserve.co.za)Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba,a spokesman for Limpopo Police,said: ‘The deceased,who is the owner of the game reserve,was touring with the tourists and at some point alighted from their vehicle and walked on foot.‘As the group were walking an elephant suddenly emerged and charged at him. He tried to scare it off with the revolver he was carrying but he was ultimately attacked by the elephant.‘The driver and tracker together with other tourists took him to a safe place and summoned the emergency medical personnel. Upon their arrival,he was unfortunately certified dead.‘There is no evidence that suggests the firearm was used.’Mr Freeman was leading the tour along the banks of the Klaserie River at the time (Picture: Claire Galaway – Insidehook)Gary Freeman Safaris was founded in 1993,according to its website,and specialises in wilderness walking tours.A description says: ‘The objective of the trail is to expose the trailists to the game reserve environment,looking at all aspects,both large and small.‘Time is spent unravelling the intricacies of the bush and admiring many of the smaller species that would otherwise be overlooked if traveling in a vehicle.’Mr Freeman had been involved in environmental education for almost 40 years,starting in 1987.Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at .