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How old is Duke?

I understand that the only really accurate way to age an elephant is with his teeth.

An elephant has 6 sets of molars in its lifetime. These are replaced every couple of years until the last set is left. Most elephants on this last set of molars have only a few years left before they eventually die (quite literally of starvation as, without their teeth, they can't process food).

Scientists/researchers have documented the shape and size of these molar sets and, by looking at the teeth, we can tell within a few years, the age of an elephant.

At a quick glance, you can also get an "idea" by looking at the shape of an elephant's head. If it has deep depressions in the forehead region, that animal is probably fairly old.

As I have not yet looked inside Duke's mouth, I am not really sure but I would say he is a pretty old elephant and is probably about 50-odd years old.

Hope this helps ...

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

PS - Hopefully, one day, I'll see him too ...

We think thi is duke, if someone can confirm

Seen at Ntandanyathi hide

Large

Yup, it's him. Can even see the clip in the left ear. Very well done!

This is duke

Here are some photos of Duke (I assume ) taken on 26 th December 2006 at Muntshe waterhole just north of the mountain at about midday and very hot (over 36 degrees). he crossed over the road towards the Mlondozi river water pools .

Is Duke a Dad again?

2 more pics of Duke

Thanks for the pics of Duke Mike, he really is such an awesome sighting and one that has been eluding me for so long now.

Weebirdy, if you see Duke you will just know that it is him. Physically he is not the largest ele in Kruger, but he sports with the two biggest pillars in Africa most probably.

Also remember that he is found in a specific region(Croc bridge towards Lower Sabie and as far up as the Sweni area), no other ele with similar tusks like his are found there.

I wish I could see you face the first time you gonna see a wild ele. Enjoy!

Hi Weebirdy

Duke is a very special animal whom I have only seen once. There are, however, some of my colleagues who have seen him more than once (notably some of the guides at Lower Sabie, the rangers at Croc Bridge and Tshokwane and, of course, our elephant scientist Dr Ian Whyte who has seen him a FEW times!).
He has also been spotted on the Lebombo Overland Eco-Trial (the four night, five day trip on our eastern boundary) so his range is fairly big.
The square notch on his left ear is small but distinctive, it is just a shade lower than his eye, on the edge of his hear "flap". You can't really see it on the photograph above but it is amazing how it stands out when you see this elephant "in elephant". [well, I can't really say "in person", can I?]
Less obvious is a strange V-shape (on its side) fold on the left ear but, as Wildtuinman says, when you see him there is no doubt in your mind as the tips of his tusks literally scrape the ground. In fact, rangers tell me that he often "sleeps" by leaning on these VERY LONG tusks.
He normally has 5/6 "Askari" bulls with him but over December 2006 he was spotted with a family group, including calves. Although it might not be (elephants have very loose associations between bulls and cows), there is a good chance that they are his siblings, so there is a bit of go in the old boy yet!
Incidentally, we think he is in the 55-60 year time span, which means that he doesn't have that much longer to go.

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

Saw Duke on the 7/4/07 on road H4-1 from Skukuza to Lower Sabie. He is definately a huge fella, and most beautiful. We were lucky to get these lovely shots of him

I saw this guy, don't know his name, but has mighty long tusks!

(Taken just before Lower Sabie on the back road to Tshakwane)

Just another view of this Beaut!

I saw Duke last year in august and would pics if i just knew how too. He was looking good as we got within 10 feet of him. He is masive. He is about a metre taller then those green game drive vehicles. His tusks have been worn away at the bottom. What a pity.

I saw Duke the one and only time, on 23 May 1997. It was a Friday, we were en route to LS for mum's 50th. Entered at Croc Bridge, and were in convoy with loads of people heading the same way for the weekend. I was in my car, my boet was driving my mom's new car (surprise birthday present). All cameras and things were still stashed in the boot, so no photos.

There was a turning to the right, about halfway between CB and LS. And Duke was walking down the middle of the road, towards CB, and cars were scattering. I could swear there was a twinkle in his eye at the mayhem he was causing!

There was much trepidation about 'mom's new car', and so we ducked into the side road, turned around, and waited for him to pass.

A Daewoo Espero did the same thing, but after the excitement was over, it was the funniest thing... driver (she) and passenger (he) swapped places in a great hurry. We suspect hubby let missus drive once they got into the park, and after this experience, her nerves were shot, and she gave back the controls to hubby! Gosh we laughed.

But yes, he was a sight to behold then, he must be quite an anmal now.