One Ton is known for his calm demeanor and celebrity status as one of Africa's dwindling "Super Tuskers." He has captured the hearts of many who have had the privilege of encountering him. His presence at the water holes in the Chyulu Hills, including at Ol Donyo Lodge and the home of Big Life’s co-founder Richard Bonham, is a sight to behold.

Despite his popularity, One Ton has faced his fair share of challenges. In 2021, he was spotted with a severe wound on his neck, likely the result of a fight with another bull elephant – a common occurrence as these mighty males spar for dominance. Thankfully, a swift response from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-funded KWS vet ensured that One Ton received the necessary veterinary care.

Concern for One Ton's wellbeing didn't end there. In 2024, he was once again spotted with a wound on his neck, prompting another urgent call for medical assistance. The vet again quickly responded to administer treatment. The size and depth of the puncture suggested another clash with a fellow bull elephant. While such incidents highlight the challenges faced by elephants in the wild, they also underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals.

Today, One Ton is alive and well, thriving in and around the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. He’s sporting a new crack on one of his majestic tusks, presumably caused in one of the many tussles he’s engaged in.We hope he doesn’t have too big of a toothache, and we’re keeping a close eye on him regardless.

To celebrate One Ton, a new museum-quality print has been released. Based on an original oil painting by Jennifer Delaney, the artwork was inspired by a photograph of One Ton taken by the artist’s aunt, Karen Delaney-Wolverton, who serves on the Board of Directors for Big Life Canada.

The original artwork will be auctioned off to raise funds for Big Life's conservation initiatives.  The prints themselves are available for purchase through Big Life’s e-store.  They have been generously donated, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our vital conservation efforts.
Photo of One Ton: Jeremy Goss

It started as a routine report of a routine sighting: “Three adult male giraffes walking near Ilchalai area at 10:43 am.” Big Life’s rangers call in all animal sightings on patrol, and this was just another record for the database.

Except something was not right. The oxpecker birds were unusually fixated on one of the giraffes.

Injury? Likely. Snare? Too thick. The rangers drove closer to investigate and saw what appeared to be the inner ring of a motorbike tire tight around one of the giraffe’s necks. It was slicing through the skin, and the deepening wound had become a buffet for the oxpeckers.

Immediate intervention was required. The radio call was modified to an emergency alert to the KWS Amboseli vet to remove the tire.

The injured giraffe’s two companions loomed skeptically while our rangers worked with the KWS vet team (who are funded by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) to get the giraffe on the ground, cut its noose, disinfect the wound, and help him back on his feet.

While encouraging to know this wasn’t a snare, the tire was likely thrown onto the giraffe by herders as entertainment. This highly unusual incident underlines the importance of our extensive ranger patrols, which ensure hundreds of pairs of eyes are monitoring every corner of the ecosystem for potential problems and speedy solutions when needed.

As ever, we are grateful to our partners for their speedy response and collaboration in helping to save this giraffe from a slow and painful death.

Photos: Constable Daniel Kutata

Amboseli stands as a rare haven where elephants have been able to thrive relatively undisturbed, with a healthy age structure spanning from newborn calves to elderly matriarchs in their 60s, and remarkably, many magnificent bulls in their reproductive prime. This is a stark contrast to the devastating decline witnessed elsewhere across Africa, where elephant populations plummeted from 1.3 million in 1979 to just 600,000 a decade later, primarily due to the ruthless ivory trade and habitat loss. Today their numbers are somewhere around 350,000, although it’s been a few years since a comprehensive census was conducted. The Amboseli elephant population is around 2,000, depending on the time of year.

Recent events have cast a dark shadow over this celebrated population. Trophy hunters have killed five elephants just across the border in Tanzania’s Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, including 35-year-old Gilgil, an Amboseli tusker entering his prime. With fewer than 50 tuskers left in Africa, and at least 10 in the Amboseli ecosystem, the urgency to protect these magnificent creatures has never been greater. Amboseli's elephants, are not just significant for science but also cultural icons and essential contributors to the biodiversity and health of their ecosystem.

Losing Amboseli’s elephants is an incalculable loss for the world. All elephants need protection. Majestic bulls, targeted for their awe-inspiring tusks, are not trophies but vital contributors to the genetic health and resilience of a population cherished the world over.

By supporting ongoing conservation efforts, we can ensure that Amboseli’s elephants continue to roam their ancestral lands, inspiring awe and wonder for generations to come. Join us in this critical mission. Together, we can protect and preserve the natural heritage of East Africa, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive. Footage: Jeremy Goss

Back in March, we shared the extraordinary story of Esau, a Super Tusker whose impressive tusks weigh over 100 pounds each, marking him as one of the rarest and most magnificent elephants left in Africa. Esau’s lineage is equally remarkable—he is the nephew of Echo, one of Amboseli’s most celebrated matriarchs. His story is a testament to the legacy of Amboseli’s elephants, meticulously documented by the longest running study on wild elephants at the Amboseli Trust for Elephants.

After receiving veterinary treatment for a wound and getting fitted with a tracking collar, Esau’s journey took him deep into Tanzania, where he spent six critical weeks navigating the challenges of a region where the threats to elephants like him are escalating. Our mission to safeguard Esau and his fellow elephants becomes even more complex when they cross these invisible borders, where policies are different.

In Tanzania, the resumption of trophy hunting in certain areas poses a significant threat to this cross-border elephant population. Since last September, five elephants have been killed by hunters, two of which are known to be Super Tuskers. Esau’s time in Tanzania underscores the peril he faces and the urgent need for continued vigilance and innovative conservation strategies.

Big Life’s rangers and our partners are monitoring his movements. The tracking collar provided by the Mara Elephant Project, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and Wildlife Research and Training Institute, has been critical to that end. Having a collar designates him as a research animal, which should offer a layer of protection against trophy hunters.

Keeping Esau and the rest of Amboseli’s elephants safe demands unwavering dedication. Our rangers face numerous challenges daily, from patrolling vast and often remote areas, to intercepting poachers and responding to threats swiftly. The data from Esau’s collar is invaluable, providing insights into his movements and behavior, which will also inform broader conservation strategies.

None of this would be possible without the support of our partners and the generosity of our donors. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to protect these magnificent creatures. Esau’s story is not just about one elephant; it is about the collective effort to preserve an endangered species and their environment. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Amboseli’s elephants endures for generations to come. Donate to protect Amboseli's elephants.