Tsavo Families

The research is monitoring 190 adult females (and their offspring). When this research began most families lacked an old female and were fragmented. That is families consisting of young females and too many calves within the group to belong to the females. Over the past 15 years many of the young males have become independent and left the family units and the young females have died from the fragmented groups. Now the families have calves within the group that are of various ages and represent a typical family unit.

Athena

Athena (tusk: long splayed) was first identified 20 years ago in August of 1989. She broke the tips of her long, thin and pointed tusks in 1992, they have since grown back. Her group varies from 5 to 12 members. She associates most frequently with Justine and Beryl (photo 2007).

Eldora

Eldora (tusks: crossed) was first identified 19 years ago in March 1990. At that time her tusks were half the length they are now. Her family of 8 individuals consists of Skye (female-splayed tusks) and Tessa (female-tuskless) and their offspring. Photo 2007.

Chrystal

Chrystal (tusk: single left) was first identified 19 years ago in July 1990. Her family consists of 6 to 8 individuals. She is most frequently seen with Carly and Golda. Photo 2008.

Holda

Holda (ear: large hole lower left) was first identified 18 years ago in April 1991. Her family was most likely killed during the poaching era. During the 1990s she was typically seen in a family unit of 3 (calf: 4-8 years old and a male 12-15 years old). Today she continues to be seen with just her offspring of three. Photo 2008.