Africa’s Supertuskers

Posted in: The Wild Side

The Remarkable World of Supertuskers

In the heart of Africa’s wild landscapes, a rare and magnificent kind of elephant still roams – the supertusker. These are not your average elephants. What sets them apart are their enormous tusks, each weighing over 45 kilograms and often so long they nearly touch the ground. Supertuskers are living legends, and spotting one in the wild is like glimpsing a relic from a different era.

These giants are incredibly rare, with fewer than 50 individuals believed to exist today. Most are large, older bulls that have survived decades of threats, from poaching to habitat loss. Their massive ivory makes them high-value targets, which has sadly reduced their numbers over the years. However, where they still exist, places like the Tsavo Conservation Area and the Amboseli National Park in Kenya they’re watched over with a mix of awe, pride, and fierce protection.

Each supertusker has their own unique story. Some, such as the late “Tim,” have become icons of conservation – famous not just for their size, but for their personalities and the battles fought to keep them safe. These elephants don’t just represent size – they symbolize resilience, rarity, and the importance of protecting what remains wild and precious.

Supertusker Tim – Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Supertuskers on Africam: Witnessing Legends in Real Time

Sightings of supertuskers are not only thrilling, but also play a key role in raising awareness. By showcasing these rare elephants in their natural environment, Africam helps inspire global audiences to care, learn, and support conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Beyond their incredible appearance, supertuskers play an essential role in their ecosystems. Elephants are keystone species, shaping their environment in ways that benefit countless other animals. Since supertuskers draw attention and admiration, they help bring awareness to broader conservation efforts. In protecting them, we protect so much more than just a single species – we help safeguard the soul of Africa’s wild places.

Thanks to the Africam live cameras, viewers from around the world can now witness these majestic elephants from the comfort of home. Africam has provided some unforgettable sightings of supertuskers, giving a rare and intimate look at their behavior in the wild. 

One of the most impressive individuals captured on camera is One Ton, a massive bull seen at the Ol Donyo waterhole in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills. With his sweeping tusks and calm presence, One Ton is a textbook example of a true supertusker and a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. Another remarkable elephant, Elzuwini, has been spotted on the Naledi cameras in Olifants West, South Africa. With his long, graceful tusks and dignified bearing, Elzuweni has become a favorite among viewers and a symbol of the wild beauty that still exists in protected areas. His appearances often feel like rare, treasured moments, fleeting glimpses into a vanishing legacy.

By watching the Africam livestreams, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of One Ton, as well as other supertuskers, at Ol Donyo and Elzuwini on the Naledi cameras.