Elephants are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating species in the animal kingdom. Aside from being the largest land mammal in the world, they are incredibly intelligent and emotional creatures. Their dexterous trunks have over 150,000 muscles which allow them to perform all sorts of tasks from drinking water and gathering food to sniffing out danger.

Elephant tusks are a thing of great beauty. They are actually enlarged incisor teeth which first appear when elephants are around two years old and they continue growing throughout their lives. They evolved to assist elephants in gathering food, prising bark from trees, lifting objects and digging up roots. Capable of growing more than 3 metres in length, tusks are wielded in battles for dominance and breeding rights alike. They are an elephant’s primary defense mechanism and in particular they help to protect their trunks – as such, size matters. Over the years, a number of elephants displayed tusks that were far larger than average – these elephants became known as the legendary ‘Big Tuskers’.

Elephants have a lifespan of 60-70 years.

Big Tuskers are elephants with tusks each weighing 50 kg (100 pounds) or more due to a rare genetic variation that results in magnificent tusk growth – some becoming so large they would graze the ground as the elephant walked. According to SAN Parks, the longest tusk ever recorded was the size of a small car at 3.5m long and the heaviest tusk weighed almost 120 kg.

Due to the devastating effects of ivory poaching, there are only an estimated 24 Big Tuskers, also known as 100 Pounders, alive today and The Greater Kruger National Park remains one of the few places in the world to see these unique animals.

Monzweni

Monzweni is one of Africa’s Emerging Tuskers found in The Greater Kruger National Park.

Pictured above is Monzweni – a.k.a Kilimanjaro – a giant bull as noble as the iconic mountain he represents. Juan Pinto, a Professional Field Guide and Master Tracker at Royal Malewane, photographed this incredible sighting in February 2020. Monzweni is classified as one of the ‘Emerging Tuskers’. To be classified as an Emerging Tusker, an elephant’s tusks need to protrude at least 1m from their lip line.

Monzweni was discovered in 2006. He is a gentle giant with a placid nature and despite his size, he has the incredible ability to blend in with the tall trees under whose shade he rests during hot summer days. Those who are lucky enough to encounter this majestic animal are left in awe of his unique size and almost symmetrical tusks.

Can I Encounter Big Tuskers Today

Although rare, it is certainly possible. Guests at Royal Malewane have encountered Monzweni and the rest of the Big 5 on game drives and while on exhilarating bush walks or trails. There is no greater thrill than approaching a herd of elephants while on foot with your ranger and tracker. Due to the extensive qualifications of the Royal Malewane guiding team guests are able to enjoy walks and trails knowing that they are in safe and experienced hands – a unique way to experience a Big 5 safari.

To learn more about the unrivalled wildlife experience at Royal Malewane, click here.

To discover more about Royal Malewane watch our videos of the Main Lodge and of The Farmstead.

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