Tsavo Bulls

The research is monitoring the behavior of 215 independent bulls. Large and old male elephants were the primary target of ivory poachers for their heavy tusks. When the research started in 1989 it was very rare to find a bull older than about 25 years of age. The results from this research found that the survival rate of young males was greater than young females during the poaching era, most likely due to their eventual independence from their families. As a consequence there are currently many males in the 20-25 year age class.

Rudolf

Rudolf (ears: notches/holes) was first photographed and named 20 years ago in November 1989. He ranges both in the far east and west of the park. When he was younger he was typically alone and appeared shy and always moved away from roads. Now he is more confident and forces vehicles to move out of his way. (photo 2008).

Darwin

Darwin (tusk: long single right) was first photographed 19 years ago, in March 1990. At that time he had two tusks, a short left tusk and a long right tusk. In 1999 he lost his short left tusk. During the rainy season, he leaves his dry season range and is difficult to find, then as the vegetation begins to dry he returns to his dry season area (photo 2006).

Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe (ears: holes/notches) was first identified 15 years ago in June 1994. He is generally with other bulls, younger than he is. When he is alone and in musth he has chased me for a kilometer or more. But, when is not in musth he walks right by or feeds close to my Suzuki. (photo 2009).

Livingstone

Livingstone (ear: U-notches) was first identified 16 years ago in July 1993. He is typically found with other bulls, sometimes alone and not often with families. He is generally the dominant bull in most bull groups. (photo 2008).