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Chimp Rescue Pioneer Eugene Cussons Killed in Crash

5/25/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

**Eugene Cussons Paramotor Crash**

Wildlife conservationist Eugene Cussons died in a paramotor crash near Hartbeespoort Dam on 23 May 2026.
He rose to fame through Animal Planet’s Escape to Chimp Eden, which aired in 2008.
His 2006 “Cussons Protocol” extracted 84 chimps with only two losses.
He founded Nirvana Africa, built an $8 700 Whisper Bokkie drone, and in 2016 launched Generation Now Africa, providing Nokia 3310 phones and $500 micro-grants to 3 800 schools.

Summary

**Cussons Paramotor Crash**

The SkyMax Pulse 2 paramotor crashed after its left brake line snapped at the mallion, folding the wing.
The aircraft struck the water at about 65 km/h, sounding like distant thunder to witnesses.
Rangers in inflatable boats circled the wreck as bubbles rose and a fish eagle skimmed nearby.
Pilot Cussons, with 1,800 paramotor hours and no prior mishap, arrived shoeless with coffee; orphaned black rhinos were used to his engine’s throb.

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**Eugene Cussons Paramotor Crash**

Wildlife conservationist Eugene Cussons died in a paramotor crash near Hartbeespoort Dam on 23 May 2026.
He rose to fame through Animal Planet’s Escape to Chimp Eden, which aired in 2008.
His 2006 “Cussons Protocol” extracted 84 chimps with only two losses.
He founded Nirvana Africa, built an $8 700 Whisper Bokkie drone, and in 2016 launched Generation Now Africa, providing Nokia 3310 phones and $500 micro-grants to 3 800 schools.

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