Frederick Courteney Selous

  Frederick Courtney Selous.

Big game hunter, explorer extraordinaire, conservationist.

     Killed 71 elephants in his career, and God alone knows how many other animals.  Realized that he and the other big game hunters were fast wiping out African fauna.  Became the first major conservationist.  Friend of Kings and presidents.  Him and his wife lived in a house in Matabeleland with permission of the King.  Joined the army to fight against Von-Lettow Vorbeck in the most fascinating campaign in history.  Won the D.S.O. for bravery and leadership.  Died in a skirmish on the banks of the Rufiji January 4, 1917, at the age of 66.  His grave is now in the Selous Game Preserve. 

     A man of extraordinary physique and intelligence, Selous was killing big game at a time when it was not regarded as wrong.  When he realized what hunters could do to the big game population, he became instrumental in protecting said game.  The place where he died is now the Selous game preserve.

      Selous was hunting at extreme risk to his own life.  As an aging if not old heroic figure, he put his money where his mouth was and performed as well, usually better, in the field as any other man in Africa, not to mention being malaria proof.  He died very well.

     This man was not out murdering protected game with no worries about his safety.  This was a person one can admire.  And I do!

Himself.  He was leading his men when he was shot through the mouth, he died instantly.

January 4, 1917

Selous Game Preserve, Tanzania