Kenya’s wildlife conservation community is mourning the death of Uzima, a celebrated super tusker elephant from Laikipia.
The estimated 50-year-old elephant died from multiple infected spear wounds, according to conservationists and wildlife authorities.
Field scouts from Space for Giants discovered his body at Mutara Ranch in Laikipia. The organisation had monitored Uzima using a satellite collar since 2019.
The tracking programme helped conservationists follow his movements and address human-elephant conflicts, particularly cases involving crop damage.
KWS Confirms Infected Spear Wounds
Veterinarians from the Kenya Wildlife Service examined Uzima’s body and identified infected injuries across his back. The examination pointed to the wounds as the probable cause of death.
KWS rangers also recovered his intact tusks, which weighed a combined 121.5 kilogrammes. Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation to establish who attacked the elephant and why.
Investigators are considering possible ivory poaching and retaliation linked to human-elephant conflict. However, they have not confirmed the motive behind the attack.
Why Uzima’s Death Matters
Uzima belonged to the rare group of African elephants known as super tuskers. These elephants carry exceptionally large tusks, with each weighing more than 45 kilogrammes.
Conservationists estimate that fewer than 30 super tuskers remain across Africa.
Their deaths therefore raise concerns about the future of elephants carrying these rare physical and hereditary traits.
Uzima’s loss also highlights the dangers elephants face when they move through areas where wildlife and human activities overlap.
Another Blow to Kenya’s Conservation Community
Uzima’s death comes shortly after the loss of Fred, another celebrated giant elephant. Fred reportedly died from natural causes on October 26, 2026, in the Maasai Mara.
Despite these losses, Kenya continues to protect its wider elephant population through anti-poaching programmes and habitat conservation.
The latest national wildlife census cited in reports puts Kenya’s elephant population at 41,952. Uzima’s death has renewed attention on the need to protect rare elephants and reduce conflict between communities and wildlife.
