What are the super tusker elephants in Kenya?
There I was, standing in Amboseli National Park, breathless as Big Tim, one of Africa’s most iconic super tusker elephants, strolled majestically against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a moment that stays with you — and one that ignited my mission to blend conservation with art. This picture was taken from my iPhone in 2019 — it was amazing. He was surrounded by eight other big tuskers, and the guides called them his protectors.
Tusker elephants, especially “super tuskers” with tusks over 45 kg each, are exceedingly rare — fewer than 30 remain across Africa. In Tsavo alone, about 10 are tracked and protected. These giants are living icons, walking testaments to resilience and heritage.
Image 1: Big Tim in all his glory.
Who is the famous elephant in Amboseli?
For many, the name that comes to mind is Big Tim — Kenya’s national treasure. He roamed Amboseli for five decades, his huge tusks almost brushing the ground. Tim passed away from natural causes (a twisted gut) on February 4, 2020. Rumor has it he sired over 100 offspring — a legacy still walking the plains today.
Ocean Sole honoured his memory with a life-sized flip-flop replica, now in his forever home at Atlanta Zoo.
Is Craig the elephant still alive?
Yes! Craig is another remarkable living super tusker in Amboseli, frequently photographed with Kilimanjaro in the background. Gentle and unhurried, Craig has become a favourite for guides, conservationists, and wildlife lovers alike. Protecting him — and others like him — is essential to ensuring these living legends survive for future generations.
Who was the famous elephant poacher?
Sadly, the history of Kenya’s elephants includes the shadow of poaching. One of the most infamous was a man known as “Sheikh,” whose network was linked to the killing of several super tuskers before his arrest in the 2010s. His capture was a turning point, thanks to relentless work by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and conservation partners. It’s a sobering reminder of why our work — and yours — matters.
Tsavo’s Giants & Conservation Heroes
The Tsavo Conservation Area — covering Tsavo East & West — is a stronghold for tuskers, closely monitored by KWS, the Big Tusker Project, and the Tsavo Trust. These organisations work tirelessly on ground and aerial anti-poaching efforts, research, and surveillance to protect the few remaining giants.
A Conservation Miracle: Elephant Twins During COVID
During the quiet of the COVID-19 lockdown, Kenya experienced a rare surge in elephant twin births — an extraordinary sign of nature’s resilience. Wildlife photographer David Yarrow travelled to Amboseli to capture this phenomenon. It was a reminder that when we create space and protection, nature flourishes.
Visit Kenya — See Legends, Bring One Home
There’s nothing like standing in Amboseli or Tsavo and encountering these giants in person. And when you visit Ocean Sole in Nairobi, you can take a piece of that experience home — whether in person or online. Our flip-flop elephants are vivid, hand-carved tributes to Kenya’s wildlife, and your support ensures our artisans thrive and conservation continues.
Flip-Flop Art with Purpose
Our artists transform discarded flip-flops into whimsical elephant sculptures. Each purchase:
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Removes plastic from beaches
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Supports local artisans
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Fuels anti-poaching programs
It’s art that carries a story — of hope, heritage, and habitat.
Take Action Now
🌍 Visit us when you’re in Kenya — Ocean Sole Workshop
🐘 Shop our Elephant Collection — Flip-Flop Elephants
💚 Support conservation with every purchase
