One of Africa's Last Great Tusker Elephants Was Killed by Poachers

National Geographic ^ | March 7, 2017 | Sarah Gibbens

[Trump20162020]

One of Kenya's last great tusker elephants was reportedly shot and killed by poachers.

During a routine flyover on January 4 by the conservation group Tsavo Trust in southern Kenya, the body of a famous, roughly 50-year-old African elephant known as Satao II was discovered, though news of his death was only announced Monday. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, conservationists believe he was killed by a poisoned arrow while feeding in the eastern region of the park. The area is known as a "poaching hot spot."

African elephants are traditionally referred to as "tuskers" when their tusks grow so long they reach the ground. This makes them an especially attractive potential target for poachers, who attack elephants for their lucrative ivory.

It's estimated that as few as 25 tuskers remain in all of Africa, and only 10 were observed by the Tsavo trust in January.

[Vaquero]

During the 50s, 60s Obama’s homeland had a sustainable game system that put a value on game bringing in millions for the people by hunting from rich clients. As the game were valued, poachers were quickly wiped out.

Once the Bambi lovers banned hunting there, the poachers were ignored as the game was no longer valuable to the nation

[caver]

The photo shows the elephant with tusks. If it was poached, why leave the tusks?

[M1903A1]

Could be the poachers’ power saw failed, or they thought they were spotted and took off.

[Trump20162020]

Odds are its corpse was unwittingly found by the conservation group before the poachers could locate it.

[Gay State Conservative]

Having seen elephants in the wild...at about 10 yards (I almost needed a change of underwear)...I find poaching to be despicable.Both the killing of the animals and the buying of their body parts (East Asia and Southeast Asia) is inexcusable.

[Boomer]

I think they should do away with the bag limit on poachers in Africa. In fact no tag necessary at all. Just kill them and scratch a little dirt over them to keep the flies down or just let the critters eat them if they can stomach the bastards.

After all, we aren’t talking about a deer or elk to feed the family, just a scumbag who places no value on life so why place any value on theirs.

Think of it. A guide to help find the poachers, a bullet or two per poacher, then getting your picture taken with them propped up on a spike up their butts. Priceless. Justice.

[houeto]

A 'Tusker'