In the vast, sun-baked landscapes of Tsavo, where the red earth meets the horizon, roam some of the most awe-inspiring creatures on the planet: elephant Super Tuskers. These enormous elephants possess tusks so long and heavy they often graze the ground.
After centuries of relentless hunting for their ivory, it is nothing short of miraculous that these towering giants still walk Africa’s plains today, although only in a few places. Here at Tsavo Trust, we consider it an extraordinary privilege to play a role in safeguarding the lives of these mighty creatures.
So, for this article we wanted to specifically introduce the Super Tuskers of Tsavo. Giving an insight into their estimated ages, distinctive features and interesting character traits so that we may all know a little bit more about the last few remaining giants of Africa, and the urgent need to protect them.
What is a Super Tusker?
A Super Tusker is no ordinary elephant. These remarkable bulls (males) are distinguished by their massive tusks, each weighing over 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Typically aged between 45 and 55 years, Super Tuskers are nearing the end of their natural life cycle but are sometimes still in their reproductive prime.
Believed to be fewer than 30 Super Tuskers remaining in Africa, we consider it a huge honour to help monitor and protect some of the Super Tuskers of Tsavo Conservation Area, alongside our key partners – the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI). In fact, it is one of Tsavo Trust’s core missions to ensure these magnificent creatures continue to grace our landscapes for future generations.
The Super Tuskers of Tsavo
The Big Tusker Project was initiated by Tsavo Trust and KWS just over 12 years ago, at a time when many of today’s Super Tuskers were in the Emerging Tusker category and recorded in the Tusker data base. Our work, in support of KWS and WRTI, to secure safe spaces for elephants has allowed them to grow into the magnificent ambassadors of the elephant world that they are today.
There are currently at least 10 recognised and named Super Tuskers living in Tsavo Conservation Area today and regularly monitored by the Tsavo Trust’s aerial and ground teams that always have KWS and/or WRTI present. So, without further ado, let us introduce the Super Tuskers of Tsavo. For their protection, we will only refer to them by their code names.
BA1
BA1, Tsavo’s oldest Super Tusker, is estimated to be over 50 years old. With a lifetime spanning over five decades, he may have roamed the savannah as a young calf when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon.
BA1 is seen by the team regularly. He’s affectionately known as one of the friendliest Super Tuskers, but yet one that is a past master at concealment, which may be attributed to his age and the wisdom that comes with it.
His massive and symmetrical, inward-curving tusks are a true marvel. As the oldest of the current eight Super Tuskers, it’s no surprise that BA1 boasts the largest and heaviest ivory, a testament to his years of growth and survival.
HA1
At 45 to 50 years old, HA1 is an impressive bull in his prime. He is known to roam widely, especially during musth, when his search for Cows (females) takes him across vast distances.
HA1 is another extremely well natured elephant and in time will surely be Tsavo’s top Tusker.
BU1
BU1, one of Tsavo’s magnificent Super Tuskers, is easily recognizable by his striking straight and splayed tusks. Estimated to be between 45 and 50 years old, he is in the prime of his life – fit, healthy, and huge.
BU1 also holds some particularly wide ivory meaning he could potentially take the throne for largest ivory in the years to come.
SH1
In this photo, SH1 is seen walking through the lush grass of Tsavo after heavy rainfall. The dark stain on the side of his head, is leakage from his temporal gland and suggests that he is in musth, a period when he is likely preparing to pass on his impressive genes to future generations. SH1 is known to range widely in search of females during musth.
Known for being one of the shyest Super Tuskers, SH1 is skittish around vehicles and even the aerial patrols that Tsavo Trust deploys to monitor the Super Tuskers. His left tusk is notably curved and longer than the right. He has clean ears and is taller compared to other bulls. He is also thought to resemble the late Tusker Wide Satao. SH1 is believed to be 40-45 years old.
SL1
As a notable Super Tusker, SL1 serves as an important role model for younger elephants, imparting crucial knowledge about the environment and the life of a successful bull.
His right tusk curves inwards more prominently, making it longer than the left. Estimated to be 45-50 years old, SL1 is known for being rather shy around humans, including Tsavo Trust’s aerial patrols, meaning snapping a decent photo of SL1 is a challenge especially on the ground.
SO1
Aged between 40 to 45 years, SO1 is recognizable as his left tusk is notably longer than his right. His left ear features a small lump and a hole on the lower half.
During musth, SO1 is known to range widely in search of females, reflecting his vigorous pursuit of mating opportunities. His movements and behaviours are typical of the dynamic life led by the Super Tuskers of Tsavo.
KM2
KM2, believed to be Tsavo’s youngest Super Tusker, is estimated to be around 40-45 years old. He is easily recognized by the two distinct growths on his right flank, a rip in the lower part of his left ear, and his uneven tusks, with the right tusk being much longer due to a previous break in the left.
Though younger than some of the other Super Tuskers, KM2’s size and presence are undeniable. He is also known for being more accommodating when approached by vehicles, making him a favourite among those lucky enough to encounter him, and a common subject of many photographers visiting Tsavo.
EM2
EM2 is the newest of the Super Tuskers added to the Tusker data base. He has very long, thick and symmetrical ivory, something that is synonymous to Tsavo Tuskers. He is believed to be between 40 to 45 years of age and is mostly seen alone.
RO1
RO1 is one of Tsavo’s most elusive super tuskers. Known for his aggressive nature, he frequently charges at ground patrols and has even been observed confronting aircraft when spotted from above. Our experts believe his temperament may be linked to his broken right tusk, which could have exposed the sensitive tusk nerve in the past. RO1 is often seen alone, possibly due to his grumpy demeanor. Despite the shortened right tusk, his left tusk is incredibly thick and heavy, making him a true super tusker with some of the most impressive ivory in the region.
MM1
MM1, despite being a mono super tusker with only one tusk, proudly carries the remarkable genes of Tsavo’s legendary tuskers. His right tusk, stretching all the way to the ground, weighs over 50 kg and measures an impressive 6 to 7 feet beyond his lip. Known for his shy nature, MM1 tends to keep his distance and roams vast areas of the Tsavo Conservation Area, moving with the changing seasons.
The Super Tuskers of Tsavo are not just extraordinary animals; they are living monuments to Africa’s rich wildlife heritage. Each of these magnificent elephants – whether it’s the stately BA1, the striking HA1, or the elusive SH1 – embodies the grandeur and resilience of the natural world. Their impressive tusks and unique features make them both symbols of strength and vital players in the ecological balance of Tsavo.
As these incredible giants continue their journey through life, their survival and well-being depend on the dedicated efforts of conservationists and the support of people like you. Tsavo Trust and its field partners are totally committed to protecting these Super Tuskers and ensuring that future generations can marvel at their grandeur.
Your contribution can make a real difference in the fight to preserve these iconic animals. By donating to Tsavo Trust, you help fund essential conservation work, from anti-poaching initiatives to habitat protection. Every donation, no matter the size, supports our mission to safeguard the future of Tsavo’s Super Tuskers.
To support our efforts and help ensure the survival of these majestic animals, follow this link.