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