Trophy hunter laughs during buffalo hunt

A disturbing video shows how a trophy hobby hunter wounded and ultimately killed two Cape buffalo in May 2021 at Woodlands Safari Estate in South Africa.

$32,000 for two dead buffalo

Footage recorded by hunting outfitter John X Safaris shows the buffalo writhing and stumbling in agony before dying slowly. The hobby hunter claims to have intentionally killed both wild animals despite having obtained permission to kill only one animal.

In the video, the guide shouts “No!” as the hobby hunter appears to shoot the wrong buffalo. The hobby hunter then dismisses his guide's concerns and says: “I think I paid $32,000 — I took them both.»

South Africa must ban trophy hunting

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Cape buffalo as a near-threatened species with declining population numbers. Cape buffalo are complex animals that communicate through vocalizations, establish social hierarchies, and even “vote” on herd movements.

Trophy hunting is a vast and dirty business in the country. PETA's most recent undercover exposé in South Africa revealed the connections of President Cyril Ramaphosa to the trophy hunting industry, including owning a 50% stake in a hunting company.