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I have heard that there have been plans proposed to update the exhibits at the Letaba Elephant Museum including the installation of a complete elephant skeleton.
I didn't visit the museum in November, when I was last in the park, but when I asked an honorary ranger in the museum in May if this was true and if so, when it was likely to happen, he confirmed that what I had heard was correct but that no dates had been set.
I expect that it boils down to money.
It would not cost much to update some of the information and this could be carried out by the honorary rangers or even the junior honorary rangers (I was very impressed by their exhibition in the Berg en Dal reception!)

I just enquired about this...

The hall is currently being revamped. Updated material has been written, new displays have been designed and new exhibits are in development. Although a final date for all this to go live is not yet set, visitors should be able to see the new improved museum within the first quarter of 2006.

Hope this helps.

My first memory of the Elephant Hall at Letaba is from 1994. After that, I remember the skull exhibit (tusk penetrating skull) inside being added and the elephant statue outside. I never noticed any other major change.

I agree that it's time for an update, but please leave Mafunyane's tusks (and the others ) and the little elephant fetus.

Which aint that small really. You mean this one?

They can start by displaying Mandleves' ivory, which is the heaviest ever recorded in the park.

I have read somewhere that his tusks would go onto display as well, but can't remember where....

I have watched with growing interest the letters, replies etc about the museum, and feel I should say something as well. Go and visit it now, and see how it has changed!
A lot of time, effort and money has been spent on an upgrade and I may add, a lot of money and time was was donated by Honorary Rangers of the Bushveld region to enable the display of the elephant skeleton.
It is not possible to change the display with every new happening in the world, but it would help to have a board to display news worthy items.
Next time any of you go there, make the suggestion to the person on duty, it will get to the right ears, I promise.
The museum does not generate any income, so the goodies that are on sale there help a great deal to fund new items, I know (from a reliable source) that the videos that are shown on weekends and holidays are in the process of being converted to DVD's, another project of the HR's of Bushveld region.
Yes, Mandleve's tusks are there now, in the original skull, and are very impressive, I can tell you.

Yes, the new exhibition is really worth a visit! It is well done, interesting and leaves you with a new respect for the really "big ones"!

Well done SANParks, HR's and sponsors!

Thanks for the feedback on the "New" Elephant Museum being open at Letaba.
I really look forward to seeing it!

To all involved, especially the Honorary Rangers, thank you for all your time and effort.

I feel that the original atmosphere of the Elephant museum has been preserved.
Regarding the old information on the Magnificent 7, not much has changed…and rightly so.
However, what I find exciting and a really good addition to the museum, is the current Tuskers project and information.
It is really valid to current visitors and very possible to encounter one of these ‘new’ tuskers in the park – interesting and well worth paying some attention to.

Don't forget that that information can be found on this site as well: Letaba Elephant Hall - Home of the Magnificent Seven

Thanks so much for posting those pics Gwen, the musuem looks really great now,
not that it was that bad before.
Certainly a very interesting place to visit when in that area.

The tusks were originally on show at Olifants - does anyone have photos of that?

Richard