Art Talk
A Tribute to Tim the Tusker – Amboseli National Park Kenya
Why is Amboseli National Park Famous?
Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is a vital sanctuary for elephant conservation, offering a unique ecosystem with swamps, marshes, and open plains that provide ideal conditions for these magnificent creatures.
The park’s permanent water sources ensure year-round access to water, which is essential for elephant survival. Among its residents are the rare Super Tuskers, elephants with exceptionally large tusks weighing over 45 kg each. These giants are not only awe-inspiring but also carry important genetic traits and attract tourism, helping to highlight the importance of elephant conservation.
In this post we are going to be taking a look at one of Amboseli’s most famous elephants, the late great Super Tusker Tim.
Tusker Tim – an Iconic Elephant
Tim the Tusker was one of Kenya’s most iconic and beloved elephants, renowned for his impressive size and massive tusks. He lived in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, a protected area located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is famous for its large elephant population.
Tim was an African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), and what set him apart were his exceptionally large tusks that nearly touched the ground. In fact, Tim was a special elephant known as a “super tusker”. “Super-tuskers” are elephants with at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds or more. Both of Tim’s tusks were above this weight. Amboseli National Park avoided posting images of Tim online, and Tim was fitted with a collar, to protect him in his later years.
The genes responsible for these big elephants have largely disappeared from Africa, primarily due to hunting and poaching. Most of the remaining super-tuskers can be found in the Greater Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem.
Tim’s Life
Throughout his life, Tim faced many threats, including poaching, and injuries from snare traps. In his early years, Tim lost three relatives to suspected poaching. His mother, Trista, was speared to death by poachers in 1978 when Tim was just 8 years old. The tragedies didn’t stop there. Tim continued to lose more family members over time, including his beloved sister Tallulah, who was ruthlessly speared in 2003.
Known for his gentle temperament, Tim was a favourite among tourists and researchers. He was adored by the thousands of people who would flock to Amboseli in the hope of catching sight of him. Despite his immense size, he was relatively calm and approachable. His survival into old age was a testament to the conservation efforts in Amboseli.
Kevin Hayward Art – Tim
He certainly had some bumps on the road to 50. His night raids on local farmland have seen him speared on at least 3 occasions by angry farmers. On the evening of November 5, 2018, Big Life teamed up with the Kenya Wildlife Service and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in a monumental effort to rescue Tim after he became stuck in a mud-pit deep within farmland.
He died of natural causes aged 50, which considering the size of his tusks is a miracle in itself! Post-mortem results show that Tim died from a twisted gut and the only marks on his body were the imprints left by his companion who presumably tried to lift the great boy back on his feet.
He survived these challenges with the help of conservationists and local communities. After his death, Tim left a significant legacy in wildlife conservation. His genes live on in the many calves he fathered along the way.
Kevin Hayward Art spent more than 80 hours on a realistic graphite drawing of the mighty Tim, as a tribute to the gentle giant. You can find prints of TIM in his shop, here at the Guild.
Introducing the Big Life Foundation
The Big Life Foundation is a conservation organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and ecosystems in East Africa, particularly in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro region.
It employs over 300 rangers for anti-poaching patrols and uses advanced technology to monitor wildlife. The park identifies individuals who have previously been involved in poaching and offers them training in wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and community engagement. This training equips them with the skills needed to transition from illegal activities to legitimate employment.
Several former poachers have become some of the most dedicated and effective conservationists in Amboseli. Their transformation from hunters to protectors serves as a powerful example of how inclusive conservation strategies can yield positive results for both wildlife and local communities.
Why Hiring Former Poachers Makes Sense
Former poachers have an intimate understanding of the park’s geography, animal behaviour, and the tactics used in illegal hunting. This expertise can be redirected to benefit conservation efforts.
Providing alternative livelihoods for former poachers helps reduce the economic pressures that drive individuals to engage in illegal activities. By offering stable employment, the park creates a sustainable way for these individuals to support themselves and their families.
Involving former poachers in conservation efforts helps build trust between the park authorities and local communities. It demonstrates a commitment to addressing the root causes of poaching and fosters a cooperative approach to wildlife protection.
Amboseli alarmed at the return of Trophy Hunting
In 1973, Kenya implemented a landmark ban on elephant trophy hunting within Amboseli National Park. This decision was part of a broader effort to protect the dwindling elephant population, which had been severely impacted by poaching and hunting. The ban played a crucial role in conserving the elephants and allowing their numbers to stabilize and grow over the following decades. This protective measure has contributed to Amboseli becoming one of the most important sanctuaries for elephants in Africa.
Sadly there seems to be a lapse of the ban. In late 2023, two adult male elephants with tusks over 100 lbs. were shot in Tanzania, ending a 30-year trophy hunting ban. In February 2024, a third elephant was killed in the same area. By March 10, three more hunting licenses were issued, raising serious concerns about the future of the Amboseli elephant population.
Raise your Voice
Help protect the majestic elephants and wildlife of Amboseli by signing our petition to end trophy hunting licenses.
These magnificent creatures are under threat, with recent hunting activities putting their very survival at risk. Your signature can make a difference in preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations.
Stand with us to ensure that the beauty and biodiversity of Amboseli remain untouched and thriving.
SIGN THE PETITION