Elephant kills BBC crew's guide

By Lewis Smith
Saturday, 31 October 2009

A guide has been killed by a charging elephant while helping a film crew to make a BBC children's television programme.


Three children with the team are believed to have witnessed Anton Turner, 38, suffering fatal injuries. Despite immediate treatment by the team's doctor, Mr Turner, an experienced safari and wildlife ranger, died soon after being struck by the enraged elephant yesterday morning.

The film unit was recording an episode of CBBC's 11-part Serious Explorers series, in which a group of seven children were following in the footsteps of the Victorian adventurer David Livingstone in Tanzania.

It is unclear what caused the elephant to attack, but the animals are known to charge when they become nervous or when humans get too close. Mr Turner's relatives have been told of his death and were preparing to travel to East Africa last night.

The three children were unharmed and are expected to be flown back to Britain with the four others involved, who were in another part of Tanzania at the time of the tragedy. The BBC said it had launched an investigation into the death and cancelled production of Serious Explorers.

The corporation said: "Anton's relatives have been informed and the BBC is arranging for them to fly to Africa as soon as possible. Anton was an extremely experienced expedition safari and wildlife ranger and former Army officer who had worked with the BBC in the past. Three children were with the filming party at the time and are all safe. Their safety remains a priority, and all the children have been airlifted from the area."

"Look how cute a endangered elephant!"

Animals are dangerous and the ranger must have known it I wonder if he wasnt just protecting a kid or the show wanted to push it too far. A real shame.

BBC children's TV safari guide killed by charging elephant in Tanzania
By Ryan Kisiel

Last updated at 12:58 PM on 31st October 2009


A Safari guide who was working on a BBC children's television programme was killed after an elephant charged and trampled over him yesterday.
Anton Turner, 38, was assisting the filming of the CBBC series 'Serious Explorers' which is retracing the footsteps of legendary explorer David Livingstone in Tanzania, Africa.
Mr Turner, a Brit who is a former Army officer and experienced safari ranger, was seriously injured after the elephant attacked him.
The crew were filming in the Selous Game Reserve - Tanzania's largest safari park - when he was trampled.

A doctor travelling with the expedition treated him, but he died soon after the rampage.

Three children who had been picked by the BBC to travel with the party were present during the fatal charge but both were unhurt.
Mr Turner was due to become a father, a friend said today.
Ryan Wienand, who set up a wildlife reserve in Tanzania with him, said he was 'numbed' by the news.

He told the Daily Telegraph: 'We don't yet know exactly what happened but I got a call this morning saying that Anton had been hit by an elephant and had died.

'It's a huge shock and we are all very upset because it such a great loss. He had a pregnant fiancee, who is absolutely devastated.'
British High Commission spokesman John Bradshaw said: 'We have been providing consular assistance today and trying to help out as much we can.

'There were children involved in the filming, though whether they witnessed what happened is unclear.

'Some of the details of what happened remain hazy. What we can say for certain is that all of the children are now safe.'
Tragic: Mr Turner was killed by a rampaging elephant in Tanzania
Mr Bradshaw said the show's main presenter Ben Major visited the High Commission offices with a senior producer after arriving in Tanzania earlier this month.

He added: 'We were aware they were over here filming. They came in and met the High Commissioner, and we discussed their plans.

'At that stage there was a lot of optimism about the project.

'I believe they were supposed to be in Tanzania for around four weeks, but have only been filming for two or three so far.'

Selous Game Reserve is the largest national park in Africa and covers more than 21,000 square miles.

In addition to a significant elephant population, it is also home to all of Africa's Big Five species as well as hundreds of other birds and mammals.

The park is located around 160 miles to the south of Dar es Salaam, a journey which takes around four hours on a four wheel-drive vehicle.

The BBC has immediately launched an investigation after airlifting the children out the area. Another four children who were in the country joined them and were due to return home later today.

Last night, a spokesman for the corporation said filming of the series had stopped and they had informed Mr Turner's family.

He added: 'We understand at this stage that he was charged by an elephant and was mortally injured.

'Three children were with the filming party at the time of the accident and are all safe.

'Their safety remains a priority, and all the children have been airlifted from the area. We are also consulting their parents and production of the programme has ceased.

'Four other children who were also in Tanzania in connection with the programme will also return home.
'Anton's relatives have been informed and the BBC is arranging for them to fly to Africa as soon as possible. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Anton's family and friends.

'Anton was an extremely experienced expedition safari and wildlife ranger and former Army officer who had worked with the BBC in the past.

'As is usual with a serious accident an immediate and thorough BBC investigation into the circumstances of this incident has already begun.'

quote:

Ryan Wienand

...from ZUKA Safaris ?

Seloushunter

Probably a silly question...

What rifle were they carrying with them in the Selous?

Unless they thought that animals have a healthy respect for cameras and good feelings...

Like I heard once: "Stupid accident??? That's a stupid statement. I've never heard of a clever accident."

A friend of mine told me he got three shots off before being killed. BUT you know news from the bush is not always accurate.

If the BBC was involved, the elephant had a name.

Anyone know what its name is??????

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

Anyone know what its name is??????

I believe the ranger was heard to call him 'OH FUCK' just before impact.

More seriously, it's always sad to hear of these things but it's just one of the risks when we go into the bush.

My condolances to the family.

Some people just don't get it. Obviously, the BBC is a group of those that don't. Damned shame about the guide. But we are all aware that messing about with elephants has it's hazards. Like Will said, I wonder what the elephant's name was? Fools.

They must have forgot to make it clear to the Ellie that they were filming a TV show for children, given the BBC perspective that ellies are just gentle giants that need love.......the ellie surely would have not harmed them then.........

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
I believe the ranger was heard to call him 'OH FUCK' just before impact.
More seriously, it's always sad to hear of these things but it's just one of the risks when we go into the bush.

My condolances to the family.

A little gallows humor always makes me chuckle.

In all seriousness, condolences of course.

quote:

Anyone know what its name is??????

hopefully nyama

Yeah, nyama choma...

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

Anyone know what its name is??????

I believe the ranger was heard to call him 'OH FUCK' just before impact.

More seriously, it's always sad to hear of these things but it's just one of the risks when we go into the bush.

My condolances to the family.

Damn but that is funny!

But, as others have said, on a serious note, condolences to the family.

JPK

I'm told by a good friend that knew Mr Turner that he was a genuine good man who leaves behind a pregnant fiancee. Condolences all around.

If I am not mistaken, Mr Turner entered into partnership with Ryan to develop one of Ryan's hunting blocks in the Selous to a photographic block. I believe that Derek Joubert is somehow involved as well and for the latter man, I have no time to spare..

I was informed by my PH in Namibia last month that elephant sex organs are in their feet. If they step on you, you're fucked.

I don't like the speclelate as to what happened. Dose anybody know did he at least get a shot off? Its one thing to get stomped on having being able to shoot back, shoot better the next time around, its another not having the means to because of decisions of others.

By Emily Miller; Stewart Maclean 1/11/2009

Bravery of guide Anton


The British tour guide trampled to death by a rampaging elephant while filming for the BBC died saving the lives of three children.

Former Army officer Anton Turner, 38 - whose fiancée is expecting a baby - was killed when the elephant charged the terrified youngsters in Tanzania.

The children had flown from the UK to film the wildlife show Serious Explorers on the BBC's children's channel CBBC. They are now preparing to fly home.

Last night Mr Turner's devastated friend and business partner Ryan Wienand said the experienced safari guide had died to protect the children. He said: "Anton knew the ropes better than anyone and the children were told from the start to stay beside him at all times.

"They were all together when the elephant charged. Everyone ran off screaming, but Anton tried to stand up to the animal because he knew everyone was in serious danger. Anton had his ranger's rifle with him, but it may have failed.


"It is likely that it just happened too quickly and he couldn't get a shot in. All we know is that he died a hero trying to save the children."

Mr Turner died while being airlifted to hospital despite frantic attempts to save him by a doctor travelling with the party. BBC health and safety officers were yesterday flying to Tanzania to investigate the tragedy.

Mr Turner and the three children were among a large BBC party trekking in the isolated Mbarika Mountains in the country's Selous Game Reserve.

Last night an experienced Selous Game Reserve ranger expressed concern about the BBC's decision to take the children into the national park.

Conservationist Sacha Heep said: "I'm surprised the kids were walking close to any elephants, given the risk involved. People always imagine it's the lions that go for you, but elephants are a very real threat unless you manage them in the right way."

Anton & his charming fiancee stayed with us as our guest during their holiday in India. He was great fun to be with & very knowledgeable. I would not hesitate going out in the bush with him & had recommended him to friends & family members who wanted to experience africa.

He kept us enthralled with his experiences in Africa. Once while Anton was walking back to camp late evening he had a close shave when a hippo charged him, he had a feeling & happen to look back to see the hippo emerge from the river onto the pathway he had just walked on, Anton managed to get a shot off with his .500 which brained the hippo.. I gather this hippo was responsible for several deaths in the area.

Anton we will miss you..

selous project, anton - link

Lynx, great picture! RIP Anton.
Peter.

My sincere condolences to the poor guy's family. I think that incidents like this show that you should always be on guard or at least read situations or circumstances that could put you or others in danger for example walking in thick bush with swirling winds (it is amazing how quiet elephants can be and a malevolent ellie may well kill you without you seeing or hearing it till it is too late). Chances are they were completely unaware of the elephant, but the elephant was probably very aware of them and ambushed them. It does not mention anywhere whether it was a cow, musth bull or injured in any way, but the papers suggested that the ellie was 'anxious' due to poaching in the area. I am sure with the investigation they will be able to look at prints and determine exactly what happened. It is a little fortunate that the elephant did not continue it's rampage otherwise things could have been even worse with kids around.

I think that many people forget that it is also much harder when you are guiding, as you have to do just about everything you can do to shout the animal down before shooting and often this puts you at a disadvantage, especially if the distance is very close where as a hunter you can shoot first and ask questions later, but sometimes there is no time to do either if you happen to be ambushed unaware!

It has, can, did and will happen again. Elephants are a lot of things, but we should never forget that dangerous is at the top of that list.
By the grace of GOD go I.
Very sad day.

Lynx. Thanks for the picture. Peter,Nzou and Dave... well said.You guys know of what you speak. Elton Rambin

I'm heartbroken over the entire incident. My prayers for his loved ones to have strength through this terrible incident.

Anyone who has hunted the Selous knows that you could be surprised by an ele all to often.

Those who haven't hunted it have no idea how an animal as large as an elephant can quickly disappear into the bush or be standing 10 feet away from you without being seen or heard.

Best wishes to Ryan and Deion and crew.
Dave Payne

Anton Charles Turner 1971 - 2009

Anton Turner, who died on 30th October 2009 aged 38, as a result of an elephant charge whilst guiding for a film production team in Tanzania, was a passionate conservationist, hunter and adventurer, dedicated to preserving the last great wildernesses of East Africa.

The team that Anton was leading was on foot and cutting their way through close country of low lying bush in a remote area of south west Tanzania, very seldom frequented by people. They had encountered elephant on numerous occasions over the previous few days and several times that day, with the animals moving on ahead each time they caught the scent of the group.

Unprovoked, a bull elephant charged down the slope towards the group which was alerted by two trackers who had been out front, blazing the trail, running back towards Anton shouting at him to shoot it as they were convinced that this was not a mock charge. Anton immediately ensured the safety of the group in his care by ordering them to follow their pre-established emergency drills and move off the track and take cover, whilst he stood his ground to face the charge and tried to shout the elephant down. The speed with which the elephant appeared, breaking through the bush at such close proximity, left no time for any armed reaction, other than for Anton to wrap his arms around its trunk on impact. The injuries resulting from this initial charge proved almost instantaneously fatal.

The second hunter arrived almost immediately and by firing into the elephant, forced it to leave Anton, who by then was mortally injured, and disappear back into the screen of low lying bush. There is no doubt that by his incredibly brave actions, Anton prevented there being any further casualties amongst his group. The entire incident, from the elephant appearing to disappearing after Pen's shots was 12 seconds.

Anton was born on 15 April 1971 in Hampshire, England, the son of an Army Officer, Major Tim Turner and Patricia (nee Murphy).

Anton spent his early years in Dubai along with his devoted sister Georgie, attending school in Dubai prior to being sent to England to board at Kings College Taunton, where he obtained 3 "A" levels. He represented the school at hockey and was a tenacious wing forward at rugby.

During his gap year in '91, Anton accompanied by his close friend David Chan, bought an old 1979 Land Rover and completed a 6 month trip across East, Central and South West Africa (more about that else where). The seeds for adventure had however been sown earlier, with numerous family safaris in Kenya, an overland family journey from UK to Dubai and many desert safaris in the Gulf region. It was on his first African safari that Anton, aged 3, nonchalantly remarked, "Daddy we've got elephants in the garden", as a small herd walked through the 'camp-site'. Either too young or too brave, even that age, he was totally unmoved as he watched them stroll by!

Following in his father's footsteps, Anton was commissioned in April 1992 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst into the Royal Tank Regiment. Volunteering to serve on an operational tour of Northern Ireland, Anton transferred to the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in February 1994, completing six months as a Platoon Commander in South Armagh.� Operational deployment to Bosnia followed in '96 whereupon Anton began to develop his amazing ability to engage with people across boundaries. Somewhat unorthodox in his approach to soldiering, Anton was nevertheless extremely popular with the men he commanded, whilst never quite managing to satisfy the more formal expectations of his senior officers. Preferring to sleep in a tent beneath the stars in Bosnia rather than the more obvious choice of the relative comfort provided by an Army barracks was as much for the 'fresh air' as he put it, as in mild defiance of the conformity expected from his Officer Commanding. Having picked up the language in record time, Anton was a regular sight socializing, politicking and drinking the local plum brandy or Slivovitz with opposition Warlords, across established military divides. Senior British Army officers would regularly be denied an audience with these Warlords unless it was in the presence of "Captain Anton" whom the latter respected and trusted. This naturally caused discontent amongst the senior commanders, who eventually found cause to have Anton formally disciplined for his unconventional, if highly effective style. Arriving late and slightly the worse for wear due to his latest liaison session earlier that morning, The senior officer presiding left his seat to usher Anton in front of the disciplinary board, whereupon Anton, spying the empty chair, promptly sat down and to the incredulous crowd of Officers asked "So where do we go from here?"

The answer was, "BACK TO AFRICA", but with a good educational background and therefore on leaving the Army in 1997, Anton engaged in a degree course of Agro Forestry at Bangor University, achieving a FIRST CLASS HONOURS DEGREE� in the subject in July 2000, whilst living in a beautiful old watermill on Anglesea on the shores of the Menai Straits, from where he pursued his love of sea kayaking and mountaineering, circumnavigating the Island on several occasions.
Back in Africa, Anton initially understudied Anthony Russell, a celebrated Kenyan hunter, safari guide and conservationist, adapting quickly to training in the skills of tracking, marksmanship, bushcraft� and full integration with the local Masai people. He mastered the language of Kiswahili as well as more local dialects quickly, always one of his great attributes. From Russell's previous project work, Turner developed a deep understanding of the importance of the local people being supported and given the opportunity to become masters of their own resources and destiny if Africa's unique habitat were to remain unspoilt.

Numerous safari clients from around the world encountered Anton in his remote riverside bush camp, along with his two river boatmen and camp helpers, one deaf and the other dumb, whom Anton had trained into first class staff members with his unique aptitude for bringing out the best in people and his trademark combination of determination, encouragement, charm and sensitivity. Often barefoot and suffering from the inherent health issues of protracted bush living, Anton was undiminished in his passion for the environment; his quick wit, impeccable manners and the tales of his previous wild adventures around the camp fire left an unfading impression of a remarkable character belonging to a bygone age.

Anton was an enormously talented hunter and safari guide, revered amongst the local Masai people for his equal measure of toughness and compassion, who had devoted the last few years in East Africa developing a community based conservation and safari adventure programme in the Lukula area of the southern sector of the Selous Game Reserve, a remote area of over 300,000 acres in central Tanzania. He had qualified as� a Professional Hunter with the Tanzanian National Parks and Game Department in 2003, building on previous related qualifications with the Kenya Wildlife Service from 2001-2003 and having led anti poaching patrols in Kenya in 2001. �As a third generation Kenyan, Anton had returned to Africa in 2000 and was working towards completion of his sustainable tourism and game conservation project, to manage and safeguard the animals and peoples of this beautiful part of Tanzania.
Growing up on the Arabian Peninsular and crossing the Arabian Gulf at the age of three in a trading dhow sparked a lifelong interest in traditional Arabic dhow sailing as well as outdoor adventure and an understanding and acceptance of the delicacies of varied cultures and customs.

His thirst for adventure led him over the next 5 years to some of the world's most hostile and challenging environments as a Security Advisor, providing escort and protection for BBC crews and reporters; Baghdad and throughout post conflict Iraq, Sudan's Western Darfur, the Niger Delta, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan and India's NW Frontier as well as more routine work for the oil and gas industry. Anton's steadiness under pressure and belief in the positive aspects of some of these war ravaged environments gave great confidence to some of today's eminent media reporters, who held Anton's professional ability in the highest regard. The proceeds from this work were used to fund Anton's desire to get back to Africa and set up his own enterprise in the hunting and conservation world, in the footsteps of his paternal Great Uncle, the celebrated Kenya safari guide and hunter, Stan Lawrence-Brown.

Interspersed throughout this potentially hazardous occupation, Anton led many scientific and conservation based expeditions to remote parts of the world, from the jungles of Indonesia and Belize, across Africa from North to South by vehicle to an unsupported 3 month crossing on foot of the Danakil Desert in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 2001 in the company of Bruce Parry and Piele Thompson. This was the first successful completion of the 750km route since the original expedition by Wilfrid Thesiger. Anton was accompanied by two hugely experienced and hardy adventurers, who were in awe of Anton's boundless energy, walking barefoot, singing to his favourite camel and racing ahead to get the camp set up and the kettle boiling to meet their weary arrival. Despite being taken hostage and forced at gunpoint to return to the start of the route after having completed almost half of the journey, Anton and his companions immediately resumed the march, successfully completing the crossing several weeks later.

Anton's vision for the Selous Project had only very recently begun to become a reality and with some highly successful and acclaimed safaris completed over the last year, the previous few years of harsh living, study, drive and commitment to his dream were falling into place. He, together with his partner Ryan Wienand and wife Lise were driving it forward.
He had recently realized a long held ambition to work with a team of traditional Tanzanian craftsmen and build his own dhow, which had taken two years and was completed a few weeks before his death. The earlier part of his final expedition was spent with the film crew and children aboard the dhow on its maiden voyage along the Tanzanian Coast.

The family has vowed that his dhow - and his dream - will live on.


"Fear Naught"
the Regimental motto of the Royal Tank Regiment. That was Anton personified

This story reminded me of the making of Clint Eastwood's movie "White Hunter, Black Heart". In one scene an African actually was killed by the elephant. Thanks to the multimillion dollar publicity protection given to Eastwood, no investigation was ever conducted. (BTW,before I hear from the fans of Eastwood- this is the same guy who got his start in a TV Western series ("Rawhide") and went on to make one Western gun movie after another - and now says he hates guns and guns should be banned. Hypocrisy,anyone?)

What a sad and tragic waste!!

Gerry,

I don't know where that story came from but the Elephant in that film was Abu from Abu's camp in Botswana owned by Randall Jay Moore who wrote 'Elephants For Africa'...... and I doubt very much indeed that Abu ever killed anyone.

FWIW, Abu would see a camera and give a full out charge and then skid to a halt right in front of it and then casually saunter off.

He was also the Elephant in those famous pics of the topless model walking through the delta holding the Elephant's ear. Abu was fitted with fibre glass falsies for that photo shoot and they were sometimes used for other movies as well.

However, I believe the camp has had more than one (staff) death by Elephant but as far as I'm aware, none in the making of that or any other movie filmed in the Abu's camp area. - Also FWIW, Abu croaked of a heart attack a few years ago.

WOW! What an obituary! Many would wish for one like that!
Peter.

The book is a bugger to get and costs a fortune (it's so rare, we can't even find a copy of it for the shakariconnection.com bookshelf!) but it's a very interesting read and the photography is brilliant! - and I'm glad to say I have a signed copy! (Where's the smug git graemlin when you want one)

Randall Moore incidentally is also the guy they made the tv documentary about who released some (ex-circus) elephants into the Pilansberg and returned some years later when one got injured by a hippo and they couldn't get close enough to the Elephant to get a dart into him so they could treat him.

Moore just walked up to the Elephant and had him stand still while the vet treated him. No darting or anything was needed and after a week of treatment, Moore went home and the vet was able to carry on with the treatment on his own.

Here's the pics I was talking about. I think the photographer was Horst Klemm. I think there's also some kind of a story behind the model but I can't for the life of me think what it is..... I get an idea she has some kind of family link with someone like the Douglas Hamiltons or someone.

Shakari:

I read your post with interest - and a certain measure of shame for repeating a story I read in a US newspaper -and which,apparently is untrue. (I still dislike Eastwood for his current hypocrisy about guns but glad that no one was killed in the course of what was a very good movie)

No need for shame my friend..... it was probably some journo that got it wrong in the first place. I guess there's also a possibility that I'm wrong but I'm fairly sure I'd have heard (and remembered!) about it if Abu had killed someone.

I have to say (unashamedly ) that I was unaware Eastwood was anti guns and actually thought he'd previously hunted Africa..... I must have been wrong though and I thank you for teaching me something!

Never mind all that crap Steve.
Have you any more pictures of the girl !!!!!

'Fraid not buddy but she's a stunner huh?

I get an idea she features in one of the Horst Klemm books but don't know which one.

I've got a few of his books and he's a stunning photographer and (I think) all the images in 'Elephants For Africa' are by Klemm............ I doubt you'll find a copy for sale available anywhere though.

Don't know about Abu but those are different elephant and Abu in the first pic is a cow.

White Hunter Black Heart was filmed in Zimbabwe based in and around Vic Falls and Hwange. A close friend of mine carried Clint around pre-shooting to choose locations and another good mate played him with back to camera in the elephant shooting scene (ex Parks Culling officer). I certainly didn't hear of anyone being killed, but maybe they hushed it up. Anyway I was there in the area throughout shooting and didn't hear of it and still see a bit of the ex Parks mate - I'll ask him about that.

Gerrypeters, I am not sure why you accuse Clint Eastwood of hypocrisy. He is an ACTOR!Guess what, Charlton Heston is NOT Moses. Charlton Heston is NOT Judah Ben Hur either. He is an actor. They do this for a living, except perhaps Charlton really wanted to be Moses! I remember the Rawhide series well. Clint played Rowdy Yates as I recollect. While Eastwood made his name playing in "spagetti westerns" he also directed movies like "Flags of our Fathers" and "Letters from Iwo Jima". Does that make him a Japanese sympathiser?
Modified: Not to mention his latest movie, "Invictus"!
Peter.

According to Wiki, the movie was shot (pun intended ) in Zim and Pinewood so I guess they either took Abu to Zim or just filmed the charge scenes etc in Bots...... I don't reckon they'll have taken him to Pinewood!

I don't think I've ever seen the movie so can't comment on what the backgrounds look like.

If anyone has ever seen that ad with the Elephant walking along in the desert with his trunk slung over a calf that's walking beside him to the tune of he's not heavy, he's my brother (I get an idea it's an ad for a credit card?). I'm told that also is Abu.

Sounds like the world has lost a great man.

Isn't there another version of White Hunter Black Heart?
I'm sure there was a B&W film or another work based on the book with another title.
Or maybe while reading the book I just shot my own version in my head?

The film is a thinly disguised account of writer Peter Viertel's experiences working with John Huston (the Wilson character) while he made the film The African Queen, which was shot on location in Africa at a time when location shoots outside of the United States for American films were very rare.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Hunter_Black_Heart