Legendary Eastern cape elephant killed by brother
2012-03-09 12:00
Legendary Eastern Cape elephant, Hapoor Junior, was killed by his younger brother, Nick, at thePumba Game Reserve in a battle for male dominance earlier this week. He was 58 years old, IOL reports.
In a statement made by the reserve it was noted that Nick had opposed Hapoor Junior's dominance increasingly over the past year, often culminating in skirmishes between the two behemoths. Although the older brother had always gained the upper hand, Nick finally made his fatal breakthrough on Tuesday morning at bout 10:30 am.
A Field Guide, noted loud screams being made by an elephant and soon after found the severly wounded Hapoor Junior. Nick showed no remorse towards him, as he asserted his dominance on Hapoor Junior, by continually mounting him.
Pumba Reserve's management expressed their great sadness at the famed and fabled elephant's passing.
While pretty famous himself, Hapoor Junior, was the son, namesake and heir of the even more legendary Hapoor senior, dominant male in the Addo Elephant Park for 24 years.
The name Hapoor (nicked ear) comes from the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. The SANParks website states: "Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park-staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968."
Some years later Hapoor Junior took over his father's role, but was relocated to the Pumba Reserve in 2005 when the Addo Elephant National Park decided to relocate twelve big bulls to Private Reserves in the Eastern Cape, to diminish the competition and fighting amongst the bulls.
