‘Shock’ as Pretoria zoo spokesman found dead in his east home

Friends, colleagues, and family of Craig Allenby (50), are in shock after the death of the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens communications director in his Pretoria home on Thursday.

Allenby worked at the Pretoria zoo for about 30 years, but at the time of his death was also a director of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

Phillip Bruwer confirmed to Rekord that Allenby was found dead in his bed, in the east of Pretoria on Thursday morning.

“His death is a great shock to all, and we are heartbroken.”

Bruwer said he was one of Allenby’s best friends for the past 20 years.

“He was a mentor for me in the PR profession,

“I will remember his laugh, and knowing that he will always be there for me.”

The cause of his death is being investigated by the police, he said, adding that police were currently not suspecting any foul play.

Bruwer said Allenby would be remembered, as a man with a heart of gold who cared for every animal, and the environment and is described as one of the best media liaison officers in South Africa.

“Allenby was, among other things, named national spokesperson of the year in 2014, by the National Press Club.

“He was the epitome of sympathy and always there when you needed him. He was not ashamed to share his wisdom and was a role model in the media circles. Nothing will fill his gap in the media industry.”

The Pretoria zoo is one of 11 national botanical and zoological gardens which fall under SANBI, an organisation whose work Allenby was described to be passionate about promoting.

Allenby leaves behind his mother Sylvia Allenby and sister Sylvia de Kock.

The family has requested privacy.

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