Majestic Isilo showing off just why he’s called “The King” of the Tembe Elephant Park!
“Juxtaposition” is this week’s photo challenge theme.
DeWetsWild
Disappearing into South Africa's wild places… Again!
Majestic Isilo showing off just why he’s called “The King” of the Tembe Elephant Park!
“Juxtaposition” is this week’s photo challenge theme.
DeWetsWild 
hello- do you know that last time ISILO was seen in the park-my last cam sighting was january 09 2014- i have seen him with ucici -and kwazi– ucici not been seen on cam this year so he may be with ISILO- thank you
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Hi Barry! I follow the Tembe facebook pages and I share the worry many others have for Isilo’s welfare at this point – checking everyday if there’s any news about this majestic tusker. Holding thumbs that he’ll appear at Mahlasela again when the abundant water left in the veld by the summer rains start drying up. Ucici actually welcomed us right at the parking area when we arrived at Tembe last May, and we hope he too is still in good health. Thanks for stopping by here Barry – you’re welcome to return any time!
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ISILO -R I P Isilo ( “1956” – 2014 ) ………..
It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the death of Isilo in Tembe Elephant Park.
Isilo died a natural death of old age in the South West section of the park about the 10th January 2014 in an area known to be his home range.
His carcass was only discovered about two weeks ago and unfortunately his magnificent tusks had already been stolen by suspected rhino poachers.
This is the reason for the delay in announcing his passing. This is a very sad and tragic time for all. His presence will be deeply missed.
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Thank you for letting us know of Isilo’s demise Barry. We’re certain the news was met with sadness and shock all over the world. We’ve posted a special notice on our blog also:
We’re hoping with everything w have that the perpetrators responsible for stealing his ivory will be brought to justice.
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Are these elephants hunted more because of their long tusks?
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Sadly that has been the case for centuries Zainab, and is the reason why magnificent tuskers like Isilo are so rarely encountered. With every generation of big tuskers that are killed, their genes are depleted from the population. Today there’s some populations of elephants that are almost entirely tuskless as a result.
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That’s sad. They are beautiful animals. I once had a ride on an elephant and was amazed by how sensitive and majestic it was.
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They really are magnificent Zainab, and all the more so when they’re allowed to live their lives out in the wild, unthreatened by human greed…
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Elephants are so photogenic – great pictures!
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Beautiful animals they are Meg, and then there’s the big tuskers like Isilo that simply takes the breath away. Thanks for visiting!
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WOW The king indeed!
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Without a doubt!
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Isilo, what an majestic elephant – and to have survived with those incredible tusks. The very dimension and weight make him vulnerable; i was interested to read the post you did on him and his age estimation… 60. Oh! so good know his longevity of age and is protected within the confines of the park.
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One of our all-time best wildlife encounters Liz, that’s for sure!
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