https://allafrica.com/stories/202211250044.html


Kenya: Another Super Tusker Dies of Old Age at Tsavo West National Park - KWS



24 NOVEMBER 2022
Capital FM (Nairobi)
Nairobi — The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced that another male Tusker has died at the Tsavo West National Park.

In a statement, KWS described Lugard as one of the park's most 'iconic and majestic Super Tuskers.'

"On November 21, 2022, on a regular reconnaissance fly over Tsavo West National Park, Conservation Officer and Pilot, Joseph Kimaile of the Tsavo Trust, discovered Lugard's 3-day-old carcass," the statement indicated.

"KWS and Tsavo Trust immediately launched an emergency ground response team to verify the situation where they found out that Lugard's death was caused by natural causes relating to old age. Both tusks were found intact and subsequently recovered."

It further stated that Lugard was part of a group of elephants that were provided with more security and protection under the 'Big Tusker Project' that was launched in a partnership by Tsavo Trust and KWS ten years ago.

"There is no doubt that Lugard is the father of numerous elephants & is likely that his offsprings will become Super Tuskers because of his rare "large tusk" genes. Nevertheless, it is always sad to lose an elephant, let alone a Super Tusker," KWS added.

Lugard's death follows that of Dida, one of Africa's largest female tuskers, in Tsavo East National Park on November 2, 2022.

KWS, in a statement then, said Dida died of natural causes after living a full life until she was 60 to 65 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9uDEZIWXic


Link to video about the elephant.

What a beast!

It will be interesting to see the data on age and tusk weight from the necropsy.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
What a beast!

It will be interesting to see the data on age and tusk weight from the necropsy.

Same here. That bull is same age as I am

As much as we hunters like to downplay Kenya they have done a good job with the Tsavo and Amboseli areas in particular.

Black Rhinos recovering as well in Kenya, should be close or over 1000 by year end.

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
As much as we hunters like to downplay Kenya they have done a good job with the Tsavo and Amboseli areas in particular.

Black Rhinos recovering as well in Kenya, should be close or over 1000 by year end.

In 1973 there were almost 8000 rhino down there, in 1983 only about half a dozen or so.


I think people like Richard Moller from Tsavo trust and Richard Bonham with Big Life deserve a great deal of credit in that area. They are carrying on the work of Bill Woodley and Dave Sheldrick.

That's some positive news regarding the Tsavo Trust!