Letaba Elephant Hall - Home of the Magnificent Seven
Emerging tuskers - the legend continues...
The legend of the Magnificent Seven lives on in Kruger National Park through a number of animals carrying impressive ivory.
Scientists are studying these impressive animals and you can help by providing information on any tusker you see in the park. See our Emerging Tuskers Project for more details.
When a new tusker is identified we currently name it after a Ranger or other member of staff who has given many years of service to the Kruger National Park. It is traditional for rangers to be given an ethnic title by their colleagues and staff, and it is these 'nicknames' that are used for the tuskers.
Scroll down to see and read about each of these great animals, or click on a name below to jump straight to that individual.
Tusker Names |
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Bidzane
Origin of Name: Named in memory of Gus Adendorff who served as a ranger in the Kruger National Park for 27 years. (‘Bidzane’ is Swahili and refers to the zebra skin band around the hat that Gus always wore)
Range: North of Letaba
Special Features: Large v-shaped tear/notch in the middle of the left ear lobe, notable hole approximately the size of R2.00 coin about 10cm below the tear. Bidzane’s ivory is not exceptionally substantial at this time, but has the potential to develop. His ivory is fairly symmetrical with the left tusk curving more then the right.
General: This bull was first photographed in April 1996, by Ms Arks Smith. He is a young bull, but definitely has the potential to become one of the substantial tuskers. This bull named in 2007 during the judging of the 2006 Emerging Tuskers competition and was the 1st prize winner in this competition.
- More information: on Gus 'Bidzane' Adendorff, letter and extract from the Elephant Hall.
Duke
Origin of Name: Duke is named for the ranger Thomas Duke who was based at Lower Sabie between 1903 and 1923. A windmill which this bull frequents shares the same name.
Range: This large and docile animal roams in the South of the Kruger National Park between Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camps, these area’s dominating his home range, he has however been known to roam as far north as Tshokwane and the Metsi Metsi Trails camp.
Special Features: Small square notch in the left ear towards the bottom of the ear lobe, with a small hole slightly above this to the outer edge of the ear lobe. Until recently Duke had fairly straight substantial and long ivory. He has recently broken both his tusks about 20cm from lip line.
General: Duke was until recently the largest of the tuskers in KNP, and possibly the biggest in the world. Duke is probably the most photographed of the big tuskers, as he seemed to thrive on human attention and is regularly seen along the tourist roads and hides in his home range. He is well known for his relaxed disposition and is a favorite amongst staff and guests most of whom all have a personal interaction experience to tell of this well known bull.
Duke sadly broke his left tusk in an attempt to uproot a Leadwood tree, luckily this was reported by forum member Jonathan Heger (also a participant in the ‘duke quest’ which raised funds by forum members for the purchase of 2 cyber trackers for the rangers of the Kruger National Park) who had seen Duke at around 4pm fairly close to Crocodile Bridge and when returning to camp just after 5pm noted that he no longer had 2 tusks, this small time line allowed the ranger at Crocodile Bridge (Neels van Wyk) to react immediately to retrieve the ivory which is now safely stored in the ivory stores in Skukuza.
Recent reports reveled that Duke has broken his last remaining tusk. On the 1st of September 2008, he was spotted by the Mpanamana Concessions early morning game drive. Crocodile Bridge Section Ranger Neels van Wyk went to investigate and confirm that it was in fact Duke, sadly it was Duke who now has broken both his magnificent tusks in attempts to uproot trees. Luckily through quick action from Neels and his team they were able to follow Duke’s spoor in an attempt to retrace his steps to hopefully find the missing piece. Luckily after a short distance they were able to retrieve the broken piece of ivory.
Tusk Data |
Left |
Right |
Length (cm) |
175cm |
156cm |
Mass (kg) |
37.05kg |
32kg |
Circumference at Lip (cm) |
49cm |
? |
Hlanganini
Origin of Name: Named for the Hlanganini Spruit (meaning “at the reeds”) where he was first seen. This spruit has its confluence with the Letaba River at Letaba Rest Camp.
Range: Olifants/Letaba
Special Features: Characteristic tear in his left ear lobe given the appearance of a ‘half’ ear. Hlanganini has substantial symmetrical ivory. There is a small growth of the left side of the bulls stomach towards the lower reaches of his abdomen, with several similar sized growths on his front left leg.
General: Hlanganini is currently the largest known tusker in the Kruger National Park that still has both his tusks. He is a fairly old bull and is being closely monitored as a result.
Sadly a report was received on the 5 March 2009 that Hlanganini has broken approximately 30cm off his left tusk. Field Rangers have been patrolling the area where it was first noted that he had broken his tusk however the ivory piece has to date not been recovered.
Mac (Timbavati)
Origin of Name: Unknown
Range: Timbavati/Klaserie and Umbabat Private Reserves adjoining the KNP. This bull however is known for his extensive wanderings and is a regular feature as far north as Shingwedzi and Mopani as well as in the Letaba and Phalaborwa areas.
Special Features: Mac can be easily recognized but the fact that he wears a radio collar. He has fairly symmetrical ivory. There is a prominent wide u-shaped notch in his left ear towards the middle of the lobe. In the same ear there is a large and wide v-shaped tear at the bottom of the ear lobe. In the right ear lobe there is a wide v-shaped notch in the top part of the ear lobe, with a smaller same shaped notch towards the lower to middle area of the lobe.
General: This bull is not considered to be a ‘Kruger Tusker’ due to his home range predominating in the Timbavati Private Reserve. However due to his extensive wanderings into the Kruger National Park, he is definitely worth recording and keeping note of.
Machachule
Origin of Name: Machachule has been named in memory of Corporal Joe Managanyi who served 33 years service for the Kruger National Park. (Machachule meaning ‘the lead dancer’ this name was given this name by his staff as he was known as a very strict worker who did not waste time and who had to do things immediately, leading by example)
Range: Shingwedzi
Special Features: Large uneven v-shaped tear in the right ear towards the middle of the lobe, top part of the v-shape more elongated then the bottom. Left ear has a medium sized square shaped notch towards the middle of the lobe, small flap of skin directly below this.
General: Machachule, was discovered initially by Dr Ian Whyte (SANParks) in the Shingwedzi area, during the aerial census in 2004. This bull was noted as to be watched but seemed to have kept a low profile with only a few known recording of him, in 2006 by Grant Knight recorded him again during the aerial census, and a guest Jose van der Hoorn noted him in November 2005 and May 2006. This was until recently when numerous sightings were recorded in 2007, and it would seem he has now become a regular feature for guests in the Shingwedzi area. This bull was named in 2008 during the judging of the 2007 Emerging Tuskers Competition year.
Joe ‘Machachule’ Manganye: (1935 – 2005)
Joe was a long serving member of the SANParks family. Joe retired as a Field Ranger Corporal from the Mahlangene Section of the Kruger National Park in 2002, after 33 years service. He was well known a respected by all those who worked with him, staff members who remember him well, knew him for his excellent work ethic. He sadly passed away on the 14 November 2005.
Madolo
Origin of Name: Named in honor of Johan Kloppers who served 36 years in conservation in the Kruger National Park (Madolo meaning ‘Knee’s’, was given to Johan due to his penchant for walking. According to staff who knew him well he inherited this name due to his unique stride when walking)
Range: Skukuza/Kruger Gate towards Pretoriuskop
Special Features: Symmetrical ivory with left tusk slightly longer then the right. Mandolo had relatively clean ears however there are small v-shaped notches in the left ear, towards the centre and lower sections of the ear lobe, a small hole below the lower notch in the left ear is also visible.
General: This bull has been seen on two occasions by the same person Mr Matthew Durell who on both occasions provided a detailed photographic series providing a comprehensive data base of this bull. This bull was named in 2008 during the judging of the 2007 Emerging Tuskers Competition and was awarded 3rd prize in the same competition.
Mandhevhu
Origin of Name: Named in memory of Douw ‘Swannie’ Swanepoel who served in the Kruger National Park as a ranger from 1982 – 2001 (Mandhevhu meaning ‘beard’ was given to Swannie due to the wild red beard he always sported during his time in the Kruger National Park)
Range: 7km south of Mopani up to Shingwedzi
Special Features: Small hole in left ear lobe towards the lower middle of the lobe and he point at the bottom of the lobe, as well as small wide v-shaped a notch towards the top of the same lobe. Right tusk shows signs of being broken some time back and has since smoothed over and grown in length. From sightings by Johan Marais it would appear that one of his back legs is stiff so he walks with an audible "sleepvoet".
General: In March/April 2008, this bull was spotted several times, the first recent submission was from Michele Henley (researcher) who tracks the famous ‘Mac’ from the Timbavati she recorded this bull associating with Mac in the Mooiplaas area. On the 1st April section ranger Johann Oelofse (Mooiplaas) managed to photograph the same bull in the surrounding area and was curious as to the identity of the bull, as he is a frequent visitor to Mooiplaas. Coupled with a guest submission at the same time it was decided to immediately name the bull and to continue to monitor him.
Upon further investigations a bull previous labeled as unknown in the Shingwedzi shares the same characteristics as Mandhevhu and was sighted as far back as Oct 2004. However in these recording the break in the tusk was considerably newer. It is thought that this could be the same bull, unfortunately records from then do not show identifiable ear markings so ID cannot be confirmed.
Masorini
Origin of Name: This bull named for the Masorini Hill and archaeological site close to the Phalaborwa Gate.
Range: Masorini archaeological site and surrounding areas. More recently he has been sighted in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
Special Features: Very clean ears, slight large elongated u-shaped notch on the right ear towards the top of the ear lobe, indistinguishable unless the ears fully extended. Right tusk curved slightly higher then the right tusk.
General: This is an impressive bull, who is very placid but is seldom seen lately. It is thought he has relocated permanently to the Klaserie area, resulting in fewer sightings in Kruger.
Mashangaan…….(Ma Xangane)
Origin of Name: Named in honor of Mike English, who served in conservation for 33 years as a section ranger in the Kruger National Park. (Ma Xangane, meaning ‘one who speaks Shangaan’ referring to Mikes ability to converse fluently in the Shangaan language)
Range: Letaba Restcamp
Special Features: Prominent large square shaped notch in the left ear lobe towards the top of the lobe. Right ear severely ragged, with several v&u-shaped notches along the full lobe. Left tusk longer and straighter the right tusk
General: This bull was first discovered and photographed by Kirsty Redman and Johan Marais in the Letaba Restcamp area. He has substantial ivory and has the time and ability to develop into a notable tusker. Mashangaan was named in 2008 during the judging for the Emerging Tuskers Competition and was the joint 4th place winner for the same competition.
Masthulele (Tihongonyene)
Origin of Name: “Masthulele, meaning ‘the quiet one’ has the honor of sharing his name with Dr Ian Whyte, who was given this name by the staff he worked with.
Range: Mooiplaas/Giriyondo, this bull has however been recorded as far south as Letaba and more recently in Cleveland Private Nature Reserve to the south of Phalaborwa.
Special Features: Small v-shaped notch in the left ear towards the centre of the lobe. Masthulele has a thickened skin growth on the trunk, towards the narrowing section of the trunk. His tusks are fairly symmetrical with the left tusk curving slightly higher then the right.
General: This bulls name is very appropriate he lives up to the ‘quiet one’ reputation by being seldom seen, and had only been photographed twice at the time of naming. The first two series of photographs of this bull were both taken from the helicopter during the elephant censuses of 2003 and 2004. Both series were taken in the Tihongonyene Windmill area.
This elephant is named after the ethnic name of Dr Ian Whyte after motivation by Dr Johan Marais, Ms Kirsty Redman and Regional Ranger Louis Olivier, in July 2005.
Metsi-Metsi
Origin of Name: Named for the Metsi-metsi Spruit, a tributary of the Nwaswitsontso River and for the trails area of this name in which he was first sighted.
Range: Tshokwane/Metsi Metsi area
Special Features: One tusk (right)
General: This one-tusked bull was also seen and photographed from the helicopter for the first time close to the Metsi-metsi Trails Camp in September 2004 during the elephant census.
Muliluane
Origin of Name: This bull was named after Ranger Harry Kirkman, who served as a ranger in the Kruger National Park between 1933 and 1958. (Muliluane meaning ‘small fire’)
Range: This bull is known to move between the Sabie-Sands Private Nature Reserve and the Skukuza section of the Kruger National Park. He was recently sighted as far south as Biyamithi Bushveld camp, which is a new area for this bull.
Special Features: This bull has very widely spaced straight ivory with the left tusk being notably longer then the right. He has a prominent square notch/tear in his left ear towards the top of the ear lobe, with a loose piece of skin just below that. On the same ear, there is a notable hole towards the outer edge of the earlobe towards the bottom of the lobe.
General: This name Muliliuane seemed appropriate to give this bull as he is known to move between Kruger and the Sabie-Sand Private Nature Reserve. Harry Kirkman started his career in the Sabie-Sand, then moving to Kruger as a Ranger and returning to Sabie-Sand as Warden after his retirement from Kruger.
Ngunyupezi
Origin of Name: Named in memory of Sergeant James Maluleke who served a combined 33 years in service to the Kruger National Park. (Ngunyupezi meaning ‘one who likes to dance with woman but who will always go home at the end of the night’)
Range: Red Rocks area, between Bateleur and Shingwedzi
Special Features: Left tusk is considerably longer then the right. Uniquely the left tusk has grown with the curve backwards towards the body making this a very unique elephant.
General: This bull is very shy and is seldom seen and there have only been two submissions of this unique elephant. He was first photographed by a previous employee of DataCentrix Mr Desmond Swart on the 12 March 2007. And then later by Mr AJ de Wet as part of the Emerging Tuskers competition on the 30 April 2007. Ngunyupezi was named in 2008 during the judging of the Emerging Tuskers Competition and was the 2nd prize winner in the same competition.
Nwashinangana
Origin of Name: Named in honor of Ted Whitfield, who served as a Section Ranger in the Kruger National Park for 24 years. (Nwashinangana meaning ‘somebody that blows the animal horn’, due to his habit of whistling softly while he was working)
Range: Imbali (Mluwati) Concession, Kingfisherspruit, Tshokwane and Lower Sabie
Special Features: Very substantial thick ivory widely splayed. This bull has 2 small v-shaped notches in his right ear, towards the centre and bottom of the lobe. His left tusk is longer and less curved then the right tusk. There is a tennis ball sized growth on the left flank about 50cm from the tail of the bull. Two small notches spaced approximately 10cm apart at the top of the left ear lobe
General: This bull has been seen on numerous occasions over the last year (2007/8) and seems to be becoming on the popular tuskers to photograph. From these submissions it has been noted that this bull has a very large home range stretching from Orpen Gate to Lower Sabie Restcamp. He was recorded in 2006 and has grown substantial since then attracting far more attention in recent years. He was named in 2008 during the judging for the 2007 Emerging Tuskers competition and received 1st prize in the same competition.
Sikele
Origin of Name: Named in memory of James Chauke who served many years in the Kruger National Park. (Sikele meaning “The Sickle”, and this elephant’s skewed tusks are reminiscent of this tool used for cutting grass.)
Range: West of the Klopperfontein windmill
Special Features: Characteristic tusks, widely splayed with the right tusk curved more upwards then the left.
General: This characteristic tusker was seen and photographed during the elephant census of 2004.
James ‘Sikele’ Chauke: ?
Timaka
Origin of Name: Timaka was named in memory of Lance Corporal Wilson Ndlovu who was sadly killed by an elephant in the line of duty as a Field Ranger at the Stolznek section.
Range: Dzombo windmills south of Shingwedzi
Special Features: Notable v shaped notch with inverted v-shaped section of ear on the left ear lobe, the result of a tear. A small hole in the middle of the inverted v-shaped section can be seen towards the upper middle section of the shape.
General: This elephant was only identified from photographs taken during the 2004 elephant census. He was seen in the area around the Dzombo windmills south of Shingwedzi. He appears to be a young bull and has potential as a future big tusker.
Tsotsi
Origin of Name: Named in memory of Ampie ‘Tsotsi’ Espag, who spent many years in the service of the Kruger National Park as both a ranger and hospitality manager. (Tsotsi, meaning sneaky, trouble maker, skelm)
Range: Letaba Restcamp
Special Features: Tsosti has very symmetrical substantial weighted ivory, with the left tusk slightly more curved upwards then the right. There is a notable u-shaped notch in the right ear lobe towards the top, with a square notch approximately 15cm below this. 2 small holes approximately 5cm apart on the right ear lobe slightly below the centre part of the ear lobe, not always visible.
General: Tsotsi is a well know inhabitant of the Letaba area, who has a penchant for destroying fences around the camp and staff villages, it was for this reason that the staff felt it appropriate for him to share the name Tsotsi with Ampie Espag for his cheeky habits. He was first recorded photographically in 2004 by Kirsty Redman. At this stage while his tusks had significant weight they had not developed in length, none the less as a young bull he had the potential to develop. In the subsequent years Tsotsi has hit a growth spurt and his tusk length has almost double since he was first recorded. As a result it is felt that Tsotsi has the potential to become one of the Kruger National Parks big tuskers. Tsotsi was named in 2007 during the judging for the 2006 Emerging Tuskers Competition year.