Veteran Hoedspruit conservationist passes away
Conraad de Rosner, a veteran conservationist and anti-poaching specialist, has passed away. He dedicated decades of his life to wildlife protection.
HOEDSPRUIT – The conservation community and Hoedspruit are mourning the death of veteran conservationist and anti-poaching specialist Conraad Geza de Rosner, who passed away peacefully at home on the morning of August 13.
K9 Conservation announced his death in a tribute shared on its Facebook page, describing his passing as a profound loss to those who knew him and worked alongside him.
‘It was his calling’
“Conraad dedicated decades of his life to conservation, wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts,” the organisation said.
“His commitment to protecting our natural heritage was not simply a career or a responsibility; it was his calling.”
A life dedicated to conservation
De Rosner was born and schooled in Gqeberha before studying nature conservation and beginning his professional career in 1993 at Windy Ridge Game Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
His career later took him into anti-poaching operations at some of South Africa’s prominent wildlife reserves. In 2009, he was appointed assistant anti-poaching manager at Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Founding K9 Conservation
In 2011, De Rosner established his own company, K9 Conservation, at Thanda Game Reserve, combining his conservation experience with his passion for working with trained dogs.
“His knowledge, experience, skills and willingness to stand up for what he believed in made an impact that reached far beyond the places where he worked,” K9 Conservation said.
Training base in Hoedspruit
In 2015, he moved to his training base in Hoedspruit, where he continued his work in conservation and training. According to K9 Conservation, he spent the past six years and more developing and expanding the training of rangers and dogs.
His work with K9s became one of the defining features of his career. The animals were not merely part of his professional responsibilities but held a much deeper place in his life.
“For Conraad, his beloved K9s were never simply working dogs. They were his family,” the organisation said.
A legacy that will endure
“Some knew him as a colleague, some as a mentor, some as a friend, and others through the work and causes to which he dedicated so much of his life,” the organisation said.
As news of his death spreads through the conservation community, tributes are expected from those who knew De Rosner throughout his decades of service.
“His presence and his contribution will not easily be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to hold strong,” K9 Conservation said.
