A 'super-tusker' is an elephant with tusks so large that they can weigh over 50 kilos each. Tusks of this size are usually long and at times, may even touch the ground. Unfortunately, chances of seeing the super-tuskers out in the wild and roaming free are slim. There are approximately 25 individuals left in the world. Most of which live in the Amboseli eco-system and Tsavo conservation area.
Only recently, two of Kenyas famous super-tuskers died. Tim, the celebrity super-tusker who lived in Amboseli eco-system died in February 2020 at the age of 50 years. Il Talal who lived in the Tsavo conservation area died in April 2021 at the age of 55 years. It is sad to loose such magnificent beasts. But its comforting to know that they both died of natural causes. They lived, and died as wild and free elephants. Their legacy lives on, they both have fathered calves and hopefully their genes will carry on.
We are lucky have more super-tusker elephants who grace us with their presence. Craig is the more popular bull after the sad demise of Tim. Craig just turned 50 and he is the star of the show in Amboseli. Tolstoy, a 49 year old bull lives and roams freely in the Amboseli eco-system. Lugard, aka LU1 is a 48 year old super-tusker who lives in the Tsavo conservation area. All these three super-tuskers have magnificent tusks. They are all gentle and seeing them out it the wild will leave you breathless. These three bulls are not the only super-tuskers alive in Kenya. There are more bulls - younger and still growing.
The future of the super-tuskers is not as bleak as one would think. However, these gentle giants need constant protection and a safe free roaming home range for them to spread their genes.
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| Super-tusker Craig in Amboseli |
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| Lugurd aka LU1 in Tsavo. |
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