There are, in the working life of a professional guide, a handful of events that stand entirely apart from all the others. Seeing a super tusker is one of them.
Super Tuskers are the rarest of Africa’s elephant bulls — animals whose ivory is so massive that each tusk weighs at least 45kg (100 pounds), earning them the nickname “hundred pounders.” There are less than twenty-five on the entire continent, and many live out their lives in areas so remote that even dedicated safari-goers never lay eyes on one. Every sighting is a rare and treasured opportunity. They are truly so magnificent in stature that one cannot get enough of seeing them.
I have been incredibly privileged to see a few of these magnificent animals, notably Craig and One Ton … legendary super tuskers who roamed the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem in Kenya. Although I only saw Craig once, he left an impression on me that I will never forget till the day I die! He was a calm, gentle-natured bull with unbelievable presence.
Craig, the iconic Amboseli super tusker, died of natural causes on January 3, 2026. He passed away on Olgulului community land in the Amboseli ecosystem at the age of 54.
In the last few years I have been able to visit Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chuyulu hills between Tsavo West and Amboseli National Park to specifically look for One Ton, another iconic super tusker, also gentle in nature and awe-inspiring to be near. He always had the air of being old, wise and deserved of respect. It especially showed when he was around people and other elephant.
I found him once in the woodlands below the lodge. We parked, and rather than moving off, he changed direction and walked straight toward us, coming to a stop right beside the vehicle — as if he’d decided to join whatever conversation we were having. He stayed like that for a long while, seemingly content just to be near us.
I am convinced he actually enjoyed the company of certain people. One thing is for sure, he had a special relationship with well-known conservationist Richard Bonham, co-founder of Big Life Foundation, whose rangers have spent decades protecting the Amboseli-Tsavo elephants from poaching while supporting the Maasai communities who share this land with them.
My wife Carol and I were at Ol Donyo last month, hoping to find him again but, despite our best efforts, we didn’t. Apparently he had taken to the thickets near Richard’s house, spending his afternoons cooling off in Richard’s swimming pool instead.
We left Ol Donyo feeling a little emptiness at not being able to find him.
Soon afterwards I received the news that One Ton died in the early hours of July 5, 2026, of natural causes, somewhere between fifty-two and fifty-five years old.
Rest in Peace old friend!
Dave Christensen
