I MET Alistair Hull in the BSAP (Rhodesian police) in the late 1960/70s. In 1975, he transferred to National Parks & Wildlife, dedicating his life to preserving wild places and animals in what later became Zimbabwe. Al has been a licensed PH and guide for over 40 years, during which he has served in military actions, professional hunting and tourism. He lives in the Chisipite Hills north of Harare. My late uncle, an ex-Native Commissioner, was a close neighbour. Al kept copies of his official reports; this story is based on those and on our correspondence.
Elephants can be docile, though occasionally have a bad tooth day. They are accustomed to deference from all, but there are times when man irritates them and they feel inclined to swat such pests. One should always walk a wide road around elephants, no matter how ‘tame’ they seem.
For some years now, Al has worked for Stretch Ferreira
