Duke - Rest In Peace

An Exhibit of an elephants' foot at Elephant Hall



An elephant named Duke held the title of Kruger National Parks’ biggest tusker for years until breaking off his second tusk in 2008. I looked for Duke time and time again while in the southern parts of Kruger where Duke was known to roam. I was lucky enough to see him in person only once and then from a distance but many discussed how magnificently handsome he was as well as how intimidatingly huge when one was lucky enough to get close to him. This enormous elephant had a very relaxed disposition and didn’t seem to mind tourist therefore became one of the most photographed elephants in Kruger National Park and perhaps the world. Duke was also one of Kruger’s oldest elephants known to be over fifty five years of age. He was named after Tom Duke who was a Kruger game ranger between 1903 and 1923 in the same area that was Dukes’ home range.

How Tusks and Skulls are Displayed



 In 2010 Duke was radio collared so rangers could track his movements in his old age. A few days ago the rangers became worried due to the lack of movement and a search ensued. Duke’s body was found this past Wednesday, October 5th. It was estimated he died five days before.

His tusks were collected when they broke off over the years and I am sure his skull was collected upon his death. I hope the fine folks of Kruger National Park will put Dukes’ skull, tusks and his wonderful story on display at the great elephant hall in Lataba Camp. I - as well as many others, I am sure - would love to visit him and pay respects.