Leading conservationist killed by a buffalo in Zimbabwe

August 2010. It is with profound sadness and regret that we announce that Steve Kok was killed by a buffalo near Charara on Thursday, 12th August 2010.

Steve drove off into the bush late on Thursday afternoon to try and locate a wounded buffalo. According to reports, the buffalo had lost one of its legs due to a snare wound. When Steve didn't return, a search party went out and found his vehicle near Charara. They found his body about 160 metres from the vehicle and it is thought that he was killed by the wounded buffalo he was trying to locate.

Steve is going to be missed very badly by humans and animals alike. For the past few years, he woke up at 5 o'clock every morning of the year and scoured the bush for wire snares. Thanks to him, hundreds of animals were saved from an agonizing death. Steve never received any payment and very little recognition for his selfless efforts to preserve the wildlife. He did it because he was desperately concerned about the dwindling numbers of animals in Kariba and his only reward was just knowing that he had made a difference.

I will always remember Steve as a quiet, humble, unassuming person, never looking for credit and his death is a huge blow for the wildlife in Kariba.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Trish and his whole family on the loss of a very special man.

Wildlife Extra would like to add our condolences, and to thank Steve for all his efforts to save the wildlife oz Zimbabwe.