Harry Wolhuter (1877–1964)

Harry Wolhuter, born 14 Feb 1877 at Beaufort West in Cape Colony, died 30 Jan 1964 at Witrivier, Transvaal, South Africa, was a ranger for 44 years 1902-1942 in Sabi Game Reserve which became Kruger National Park. He was a tall lean man of spectacular courage, tenacity, with a knowledge of wildlife, and how to survive in the veldt. This period, after the South African War, was a time of immense change for everyone, settlers, and native born alike for during the war, wildlife populations were decimated so the government decided to create Saba Game Reserve, and Wolhuter was hired to do patrols accompanied by a small group of employees, hunt down poachers, build ranger rest huts, and kill predators left, right, and center so as to bring back the other animals. He was very fond of horses, dogs, orphaned wildlife, and birds. He found it ironic that he went from being a killer of animals since his youth to being their protector (except for lions). Once he retired, he was urged by friends to write down his adventures with wildlife, poachers, and tourists. He was surprised anyone would find his day to day activities of any interest but he obliged and he and his book have become legends.… (mere)