The global conservation community woke up to the devastating news that the beloved conservationist and paramotor pilot Eugene Cussons (47), died in a paramotor accident.

Etienne Maré, a relative speaking on behalf of the family, confirmed the incident occurred on May 23 at an event at a new airfield near Hartbeespoort Dam. According to eyewitness accounts, the accident happened approximately 10 minutes into the flight.

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SAHPA, South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, has confirmed that the incident occurred at 16:10, extending sincere condolences to the pilot’s family, friends, students and the wider flying community while authorities investigate.

“Beyond his remarkable conservation work, Eugene was known as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, mentor and friend whose kindness, gentle spirit and passion for life left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Eugene’s mother, Marina, on Sunday morning.

“Those who knew him well will also remember his sincere love for our Heavenly Father, a faith that quietly shaped his character, compassion and life’s work.”

Born in 1979, Eugene dedicated his life to wildlife protection, becoming a household name through his pioneering work at Chimp Eden, a sanctuary affiliated with the Jane Goodall Institute. His daring rescues of chimpanzees from war zones and illegal trafficking networks were documented in the acclaimed Animal Planet series Escape to Chimp Eden, which premiered on February 8, 2008.

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Beyond his hands-on rescue work, Cussons was a visionary leader. He founded Generation Now Africa, a youth-focused initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of conservationists, and consistently advocated for stronger measures against poaching and wildlife exploitation.

He also continued educating people about conservation and environmental solutions through his YouTube series, The Eugene Cussons Podcast.

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Eugene was also the founder and managing member of Nirvana Africa, a prominent powered paragliding and aviation company. According to the company, it is the only powered paragliding company in South Africa with a dedicated team of pilots flying anti-poaching missions for park authorities such as the Kruger National Park.

Nirvana Africa has also used its technology to assist in the fight against endangered species poaching, with a special focus on rhinos.

His legacy is defined by courage, compassion and relentless dedication. He was admired not only for his ability to confront danger in the field, but also for his gift of inspiring others to care deeply about the natural world. His work saved countless chimpanzees, gave hope to endangered species and strengthened the global fight against wildlife crime.

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While paramotoring was a recreational pursuit he enjoyed, it was his conservation achievements that truly defined his life. He leaves behind his wife and daughter.

The Cussons family, together with Eugene’s close friends, expressed their gratitude to the Lowveld community and supporters around the world for the overwhelming messages of sympathy, support and encouragement that continue to pour in.

He will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to protecting the voiceless, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.