Inquest docket registered after respected Pta zoo man dies
“The cause of his death is being investigated by the police. No crime is currently suspected.”
The Pretoria east resident was found dead in his bed on Thursday morning, but foul play was not suspected.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Isaac Mculu said an inquest docket has been registered by Silverton police.
Allenby’s friends and colleagues have been in shock after the death of the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens communications director in his Pretoria home.
At the time of his death, Allenby was the director of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and had been working at the Pretoria zoo for about 30 years.
SANBI COO Elliott Mashile said Allenby began his career at the zoological gardens in 1991 as a finance clerk.
“He was respected at all levels in the zoo and conservation community, from participation in the World Association for Zoos and Aquaria, to involvement with the establishment of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria to serving as a board member of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions.”
He said Allenby showed passion and having experience in management, he later obtained an MPhil degree at the University of Pretoria.
“He was an inspirational and passionate leader in his field and took the zoo to higher levels because of his love and dedication for marketing and communications.”
Mashile said during the transition of the zoo to its new home in SANBI, he had braved many storms to position the zoo, while never neglecting the animals, the staff or the visitors.
“He was always willing and able to share his passion and knowledge for wildlife, the environment and people.”
Allenby was loved and recognised by the media fraternity and was regarded as one of the best media liaison officers in South Africa as he served as a member of the esteemed National Press Club as well as the Tshwane Tourism Association for many years.
He won several accolades, including the National Press Club’s spokesperson of the year award in 2014, as well as the editor for the best electronic publication by the SA Publications Forum.
Colleagues remembered Allenby as a pillar of support and strength to his staff.
“He was well respected and will be remembered as a quiet, humble and hard-working man with a heart of gold, and a darling of the media.”
Phillip Bruwer told 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.”
Bruwer said Allenby would be remembered as a man with a heart of gold who cared for every animal, and the environment and described him 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.”
Bruwer said that police were currently not suspecting any foul play.
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.
He was laid to rest on Sunday.
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