Nature conservationist passes away
Dr Ian Player, one of the leading forces in nature conservation, passed away yesterday.
World-renowned nature conservationist, Dr Ian Player, passed away yesterday at his home in Karkloof Valley.
Dr Player was an instrumental person in the formation of Project Rhino, a conservation programme dedicated to saving rhinos globally.
He suffered from a stroke last week Thursday, and it is believed this led to his eventual passing yesterday.
Rumours regarding his death erupted last week Friday, after his brother and South African golfing legend, Gary Player tweeted, “My beloved brother Ian has cast his canoe onto the river of life that will shortly take him across to the other side. I will miss you. Love”.
Many people misinterpreted this tweet, believing it sounded the end for Dr Player. However, a statement from Project Rhino KwaZulu-Natal explained that at the time, Dr Player had been in critical condition.
The tweet made a possible reference to Dr Player’s book regarding his passion for canoeing ‘Men, rivers and canoes,’ and his autobiography ‘Into the river of life.’
Dr Player has been credited by the professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa as being the ‘grandfather of conservation in South Africa,’ and has served nationally on a number of different park boards.
He was also as the saviour of the white rhino from extinction during the 1950’s.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
On behalf of the Newcastle Advertiser, we wish his family, friends and colleagues well in this difficult time.
