Through my 40-year career in conservation, I’ve had many days turned on their head by a phone call, but this was the one that I had been dreading for a long time.
One Ton was dead.
In an instant, my world seemed to lose some of its magic.
I had known One Ton for 30 years. My three children all grew up with him, and I watched him gradually give us his trust as we also grew to trust him. He was one of the first elephants to decide that our family swimming pool was actually a watering hole, and who were we to deny him?
I watched his tusks grow, then break in fights and regrow. It was those enormous tusks that eventually put him in the small and treasured group of Africa’s living supertuskers, but there so was much more to this elephant than his tusks.
He was an inspirational presence. At times when I was down and feeling like there was no way through some conservation challenge, One Ton seemed to have this knack of appearing out of the forest as if to remind me what we are working so hard to protect.
I believe that connection went both ways.
He came to us twice with what would have been fatal wounds, and I am certain he came looking for help. Both times we were able to coordinate with the Sheldrick Trust and Kenya Wildlife Service vet teams to respond and treat him.
Over the years, he became an icon and a source of wonder to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him and experience his gentle yet overwhelming presence. The Maasai who he lived alongside called him ‘Mpole’ (pronounced ‘mm-POH-lay’), or ‘Gentle One,’ because they never had to worry when he came close to their village, as he was so calm.
Through the sadness, we must remember how lucky he was. He lived a carefree life, and thanks to Big Life rangers - his guardians for decades - he never had to run in fear from poachers’ bullets.
Thank you all very much for the heartfelt messages and to everyone who has contributed to Big Life and helped steward One Ton through a long and special life. Together, we will honor his legacy through the ongoing protection of this magical place he called home.
How privileged we all were to have known him, and what a friend to lose.
With gratitude for all who helped protect him,
Richard Bonham
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman
Big Life Kenya
📹: Joshua Clay
