Elephant Poached in Kilimanjaro Heartland

A large bull elephant was poached in the Kilimanjaro Heartland on the foothills of Baash about 15 km from Longido town near the Kenya/Tanzanian border. This tragic event occurred in the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area, within a hunting block of Winget Hunting Safaris. According to local Maasai who reside nearby, on the evening of October 1, 2001, six unknown people were seen, two of whom carried guns. It is believed that these people shot the bull and then extracted its ivory tusks with a power saw.

After careful examination of the carcass, it is possible these poachers were also responsible for the Manyara Ranch incident, which occurred earlier this year. This is evidenced by similar cut marks on the elephant's head and by the manner in which the tusks were removed. This recent occurrence of poaching threatens the remaining elephants of the Lake Natron Game Controlled Area within the Kilimanjaro Heartland. These elephants roam with minimal protection due to the lack of natural cover in the area and its proximity to water. The elephants are well known for roaming this area in the Kilimanjaro Heartland, and recent studies have confirmed a bull sighting identified by the Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP).

This unfortunate incident is proof of the need for continued protection of these magnificent animals, especially outside of parks.