9/3/2009

in

Tom Siebel's safari cut short by unexpected attack.

Lindsey Weedston

Founder of the Siebel Systems software company Tom Siebel recently spoke of his violent encounter with an elephant during a safari in Tanzania.  
  
[The Associated Press](http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hRZi6dDUIs98KnY1D7uGJy4buIxwD9AFPOQ80) reports that Siebel was attacked on Aug. 1 while watching a group of elephants from a safe distance with his guide. Without warning, one of the elephants charged them, plowed into the guide, then turned on Siebel. The animal broke several of his ribs, gored one leg and crushed the other before losing interest.  
  
Siebel described the incident, saying that "There was no apparent reason, nothing that should have made it feel threatened. It was quiet, and then the quiet stopped"  
  
According to [Register](http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/03/siebel_elephant_attack/), Siebel spent 18 days in four different hospitals, and is now recovering at home. He still needs surgery and physical therapy to recover completely.  
  
The billionaire told [San Jose Mercury News](http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_13256318) on Wednesday that he feels fortunate to have survived the attack. "It makes you glad to be home," he said.  
  
Authorities in Tanzania have searched for the offending elephant, but were unable to find it.