Wild Animal Hunter Meets His Match After Being Eaten By A Crocodile
A Zimbabwe safari took a grim turn when a hunter vanished near the Limpopo River, and the search quickly pointed to crocodiles. Human remains later found inside two Nile crocodiles are suspected to belong to South African hunter Scott van Zyl.
Van Zyl, who ran hunting expeditions for foreign clients, was last seen after leaving his truck with a tracker and heading into the bush. His belongings were found in the vehicle, while rescue teams searched the area by helicopter, on foot, and in the water.
Now investigators are waiting for test results, and the search has left one brutal question hanging over the riverbank.
The SS Pro Safaris website, owned by Mr. van Zyl, states that the company "has conducted numerous safaris" throughout Southern Africa. These include "elephants in Botswana to the smallest blue duiker in KwaZulu Natal."
It goes on to list buffalo, rhinos, lions, leopards, and antelopes as targets for hunts.
Scott Van Zyl was the owner and operator of SS Pro Safaris, a trophy hunting facility in South Africa that also planned excursions to Africa for trophy hunters to shoot and display spectacular creatures in their homes.
Unfortunately, three crocodiles had to be killed during the search. Permission was given for three Nile crocodiles in the area to be shot, and one of them contained Mr. van Zyl’s remains.
This is similar to the American tourist killed by a charging elephant after the safari truck halted.
In a strange twist of fate, Van Zyl became the hunted earlier this month during a Zimbabwe safari
An investigation into Van Zyl's death is underway. Crocodiles have killed at least four people in Zimbabwe in the last year. Crocodiles have been relocating away from rising rivers as a result of the extremely heavy rains.
Unfortunately, three crocodiles had to die so the forensic expert could obtain the human remains for examination.
“Our hearts go out to Scott’s wife and their two children,” said Phillip Bronkhorst, chairman of the Limpopo Hunters Forum. “Scott will be remembered for the passion he had for his profession and life in general.”
He may have been passionate about his job, but it's difficult to imagine how someone who cares about life in general would be willing to help and profit from the slaughter of hundreds of animals.
Even though every loss of life is tragic, we can't help but think of that old saying: he who lives by the sword dies by the sword. His family and many animals would have been much happier if he had chosen a different career.
After Scott Van Zyl’s crocodile nightmare, see how a man regretted filming a snake.
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