THE owner of one of South Africa’s top game reserves was horrifically trampled to death as he tried to move elephants away from tourist lodges.

Chief Executive Officer FC Conradie who co-owns the exclusive Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was suddenly charged at.

The 39-year-old millionaire was reportedly mauled by a six-ton African elephant.

It is said to have attacked him with its tusks then stamped on him repeatedly.

The horror left shocked rangers unable to save him in yesterday’s 8am attack.

It is the second grisly death of a staff member at the 27,000-acre game park.

Last March, married father-of-one David Kandela, 36, was guiding a herd through the Eco Tent Lodge when a one suddenly attacked.

It impaled David on its tusks and dragged him into the bushes where other elephants joined in.

It is not known if guests to the Big 5 park witnessed the owner’s horrific killing.

FC Conradie was said by staff to have a “love for elephants and nature” and would often go out to photograph them.

A senior source at Gondwana said: “FC was a great guy to work for and he loved his elephants which were his favourite and he felt he had a trust with them but you have to never forget they may live in a reserve but are wild.

“He will be greatly missed by all here.”

An investigation has been launched into his death.

Both the elephants that killed FC and David are understood to be part of the same herd.