A 65-year-old elephant that is reportedly one of Africa’s largest female tuskers has died.
In a statement by KWS, the jumbo identified as Dida died at the Tsavo East National Park due to old age.
"A matriarch has rested. We are saddened by the death of Dida who was possibly Africa’s largest female Tusker and a Matriarch residing in@KWSTsavoEast National Park. She died from natural causes due to old age having lived a full life to about 60-65 years old," KWS tweeted.
In a tribute, the government agency said Dida was an iconic tourist attraction.
"Dida was truly an iconic matriarch of Tsavo and a great repository of many decades worth of knowledge. She shepherds her herd through many seasons and challenging times. She served as both the subject of various documentaries and an iconic tourist attraction. Those who got to know her through pictures and videos as well as those who had the exquisite pleasure of meeting her in person will remember her. Rest Well Dida," KWS wrote.
However, KWS uploaded photos of a decayed carcass raising questions about when the jumbo died.
A matriach has rested 🐘
We are saddened by the death of Dida who was possibly Africa’s largest female Tusker and a Matriarch residing in @KWSTsavoEast National Park. She died from natural causes due to old age having lived a full life to about 60-65 years old. pic.twitter.com/914FMPKLoF— Kenya Wildlife Service (@kwskenya) November 1, 2022
This comes just months after a report showing that Kenya lost 62 elephants last year within five months due to drought.
Addressing parliament, the former Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the elephants were lost between August and December 2021.
“Through August to December, 62 elephants have died due to drought. We are rushing to build water pans in our parks including Tsavo which is most affected,” Balala told the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance.
