The Magnificent Tuskers of the Kruger National Park

In his captivating book, Great Tuskers of Africa, the passionate author and photographer, Dr. Johan Marais, beautifully describes the African elephant as the embodiment of royal power. These majestic beings are celebrated as the rulers of the forest and the masters of the valleys, as depicted in traditional folklore. Their awe-inspiring presence is truly a sight to behold, especially when you consider that some of these magnificent creatures possess tusks weighing over 45 kg, earning them the prestigious title of Great Tusker. As they age, the tusks of male elephants continue to grow, with some individuals blessed with larger tusks than others. These genes are highly sought after by females and revered in battles between mighty bulls.

Johan passionately highlights the dire situation faced by Africa’s elephants and underscores just how astonishingly rare these great tuskers have become:

“There are less than 50 of these mighty bulls left in all of Africa, out of a whopping 450,000 elephants. Poaching has reached its worst point in decades in Central and East Africa, with a staggering 40,000 elephants slaughtered just last year for their precious ivory. The situation is dire for these majestic creatures and it won’t be long before this ruthless ivory trade spreads to our part of the world.”

You may have heard of the Magnificent Seven, the famous elephants with impressive tusks in Kruger National Park. However, there are six other incredible elephants from the past that should be recognized as some of Kruger’s greatest tuskers. According to Johan, “Mandleve, Phelwane, and Duke were the three biggest tuskers in KNP so far.” The remaining three elephants were his personal favorites. Although these elephants have become a part of history, you can still keep an eye out for two upcoming great tuskers on your next visit to Kruger National Park.

One of these upcoming great tuskers is Mac, who annually roams an enormous area of about 7,000 square kilometers between Kruger and the Timbavati Private Reserve. Mac is an astounding elephant whose movements are tracked by many through his satellite collar. Dr. Michelle Henley captured the image of Mac in the Timbavati Reserve.

Photo by Dr Michelle Henley

Mandleve (died 1992)

Let me introduce you to Mandleve. He was a truly remarkable elephant, widely known for having the largest tusks of all. The word “Mandleve” means “ear” in the Tsonga language. He spent his days wandering through the dense bushes of the south-western Kruger Park and Sabi Sabi. And let me tell you, the sight of him with his colossal ivory was enough to make anyone stop and think. Each of his tusks weighed a whopping 69kg and 73.5kg, surpassing all other elephants in Kruger Park.

Mandleve held a special place in the hearts of many. At one time, he mentored a group of 12 askaris, elephants in training. He was easily recognizable not only because of his massive tusks but also because of the distinct carving on his left ear. Unfortunately, in late 1993, Mandleve passed away. However, his legacy lives on. His skeleton was discovered, complete with his enormous tusks, which were carefully removed and are now proudly displayed at Letaba Elephant Hall as the heaviest tusks in the SANPark’s collection.

Meet Phelwana, the Elephant with a Citrus Obsession

I want to tell you about Phelwana, a special elephant who had a deep love for citrus fruits. You wouldn’t believe it, but it’s true! This magnificent creature became quite famous for his obsession with naartjie trees, leaving a trail of laughter and frustration in his wake.

Phelwana was a massive tusker, with an impressive ivory that weighed an astounding 135.5kg. It’s hard to imagine the sheer size and power of this gentle giant! He held the title for the second heaviest ivory, just behind Mandleve.

Living near the Orpen Gate, Phelwana would often roam beyond the boundaries of the farm, granting himself access to the Manyeleti and Timbavati Reserves. It’s as if he couldn’t resist the allure of exploring new territories.

Unfortunately, Phelwana’s story doesn’t have a happy ending. This mighty creature met a tragic fate when he was found in a weak and emaciated state. The cause? A septic bullet wound in his lower jaw, which had been a source of immense pain and suffering. It breaks my heart to think about the pain he endured.

But despite his tragic end, Phelwana will always be remembered as a gentle giant. He brought joy and amusement to those who witnessed his love for citrus fruits, creating a unique love-hate relationship with the local farmer. It’s incredible how one elephant could leave such an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Duke (died 2011)

In Kruger National Park, there was a remarkable elephant known as Duke. He was famous for his enormous tusks, which if they had remained intact at a combined weight of 134.15kg, would have made him one of the greatest tuskers in recent years. Unfortunately, Duke’s tusks were not spared from the wear and tear of his rough play. He first broke his left tusk, and then his right. However, even though Duke’s tusks were damaged, they still left a lasting impression. Rangers were able to find and recover the broken piece of tusk that Duke left behind while trying to uproot a leadwood tree. They also discovered a 32kg section of ivory that Duke had broken off on another occasion.

Duke was quite friendly towards humans and was a favorite subject for photographers. He would often be found along well-traveled routes in the park, delighting tourists with his majestic presence. Unfortunately, Duke’s life came to a sad end the year after he was collared. His lifeless body was found by the Makambeni Stream, with no signs of a fight. Experts believe that Duke died a natural death, at around 55 years old.

Here’s a picture of Duke with his amazing tusks before they were broken off. Thankfully, we found the large pieces of ivory and kept them safe in the ivory stores at Skukuza.

Photo credit: Johan Marais

Mabarule (passed away in 2004)

When I think back to Mabarule’s early days, I remember how he was mistaken for Hatlani, a well-known tusker in the Hatlani area. But after Hatlani’s unexpected death, Mabarule finally received the recognition he deserved. His magnificent tusks made him stand out among the elephants in the Mooiplaas region of northern Kruger.

Mabarule was truly a unique bull. His left tusk cascaded down almost to the ground, while his right tusk curved upward. It was an oddly fitting combination that made him instantly recognizable. People would come from all over just to catch a glimpse of him.

However, when Mabarule’s body was discovered, it was a devastating moment. The harsh reality of his declining health was revealed. The arthritis calcification in his vertebrae told a story of immense pain and suffering in his final days. Yet, despite the agony he must have endured, he remained calm and composed until the very end.

Mabarule’s story is a reminder of the resilience and beauty of wildlife. Even in the face of adversity, these gentle creatures continue to shine bright, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of encountering them.

The Legendary Hlanganini and His Majestic Tusks

Let me tell you about Hlanganini, one of Kruger’s most recently departed great tuskers. This magnificent elephant possessed some of the most perfect, symmetrical tusks I have ever seen in the area. What a sight it was! But it’s not just about the tusks; Hlanganini taught me an important lesson about the beauty of patience.

I first laid eyes on Hlanganini several years ago, and even then, his tusks caught my attention. But as time went on, I witnessed something truly extraordinary unfold. Hlanganini’s tusks underwent an incredible transformation, becoming something truly exceptional. It was as if they had a story to tell, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would unfold.

Unfortunately, in August of 2009, our rangers discovered Hlanganini’s carcass, and my heart sank. It was a moment of great sorrow, for we realized that this old bull had met a brutal end. He had not gone peacefully, but in a cruel battle for dominance.

As I looked at his remains, I could see the signs of a fierce struggle. Puncture wounds marred his skull, and his body lay in a position that revealed his final moments of defeat. It was heartbreaking to imagine the pain and suffering this great tusker endured in his final hours.

Let me introduce you to Hlanganini, one of Kruger’s most infamous elephants. He was known as one of the largest ivory carriers of his generation. Sadly, he met his demise in a tragic bull fight, and it took us two months to find his lifeless body.

In this captivating photo taken by Johan Marais, we can see Hlanganini in all his magnificence. His powerful presence is undeniable, and it’s hard not to be in awe of this majestic creature.

Now, let me tell you about another remarkable elephant – Tshokwane. Tshokwane captured the hearts of many before his passing in 1998. He was a symbol of strength and resilience, and his memory lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing his greatness.

The image captured by Johan Marais is a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals. It reminds us of the beauty and importance of nature, urging us to protect and cherish it.

Let me tell you about Tshokwane, a remarkable elephant known for his impressive tusks and his fiery reaction to humans getting too close. You see, this magnificent creature once had a terrifying encounter with a famous photographer named Daryl Balfour. Tshokwane charged at him, making it seem like he wanted to kill him. It was a close call, and the rangers almost shot Tshokwane. But luckily, they realized that his charge was a response to human interference, not because he was malicious.

Tshokwane had some distinct features that made him stand out from other elephants. He had a special notch in his right ear and an extraordinary master tusk on his right side. That’s why people could easily recognize him. However, over time, his tusks got broken in different incidents, and he was left with only the shortened remains.

In 1998, Tshokwane faced a brutal fight with another male elephant. Unfortunately, he didn’t come out victorious. The fight left him gravely injured, and it marked the end of his life as a magnificent Kruger tusker. It was a sad and painful ending for this incredible animal.

I recently discovered Masthulele, one of the emerging great tuskers in Kruger. His name means ‘the quiet one,’ and it perfectly captures his mysterious presence. Despite his elusiveness, Masthulele has been recognized as one of Kruger’s top 10 elephants, and he is under close observation. Johan Marias took the incredible image of him that you see here.

One thing I must tell you is that this post is proudly sponsored by Sun Safaris. They specialize in organizing safaris and holidays in Southern and East Africa. They are even nominated for the prestigious ‘Africa’s Leading Safari Company’ award at the World Travel Awards 2013. Make sure to show your support for them by voting on their Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages.