One Ton – Farewell to a Giant
Find that place where the voices fall silent, free from guilt and deadlines and failed expectations. Give yourself the chance to remember what it is you love, what is truly important to you, and then come back ready to fight for it. Paul Nicklen
Photo Credit Great Plains Conservation
I was heartbroken to learn recently that One Ton, one of Africa’s rare Big Tuskers, has died. Last January we drove to the Chulu Hills in the hope we might meet this famous elephant. One Ton had other plans that day and was off touring somewhere in the region. Ever hopeful, I booked 3 nights next January at the lodge where One Ton often hangs out. He was at the lodge’s water hole this month 2 days before he died.
The positive side of this story is that One Ton, an elder in his early 50’s, died a peaceful and natural death. He did not die from a lethal bullet from a trophy hunter. He did not die from human wildlife conflict.
Thanks to years of the dedication and hard work of rangers like those of the Big Life Foundation, One Ton was protected, ensuring the legacy of his unique gene pool will carry on for the next generation.
Watch this short video tribute to One Ton
Here’s the death notice from Richard Bonham, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Big Life Kenya
Dear Kathy,
Through my 40-year career in conservation, I’ve had many days turned on their head by a phone call, but this was the one that I had been dreading for a long time.
One Ton was dead.
In an instant, my world seemed to lose some of its magic.
I had known One Ton for 30 years. My three children all grew up with him, and I watched him gradually give us his trust as we also grew to trust him. He was one of the first elephants to decide that our family swimming pool was actually a watering hole, and who were we to deny him?
I watched his tusks grow, then break in fights and regrow. It was those enormous tusks that eventually put him in the small and treasured group of Africa’s living supertuskers, but there so was much more to this elephant than his tusks.
He was an inspirational presence. At times when I was down and feeling like there was no way through some conservation challenge, One Ton seemed to have this knack of appearing out of the forest as if to remind me what we are working so hard to protect.
Photo Credit Great Plains Conservation
I believe that connection went both ways.
He came to us twice with what would have been fatal wounds, and I am certain he came looking for help. Both times we were able to coordinate with the Sheldrick Trust and Kenya Wildlife Service vet teams to respond and treat him.
Over the years, he became an icon and a source of wonder to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him and experience his gentle yet overwhelming presence. The Maasai who he lived alongside called him ‘Mpole’ (pronounced ‘mm-POH-lay’), or ‘Gentle One,’ because they never had to worry when he came close to their village, as he was so calm.
Through the sadness, we must remember how lucky he was. He lived a carefree life, and thanks to Big Life rangers - his guardians for decades - he never had to run in fear from poachers’ bullets.
Thank you all very much for the heartfelt messages and to everyone who has contributed to Big Life and helped steward One Ton through a long and special life. Together, we will honor his legacy through the ongoing protection of this magical place he called home.
How privileged we all were to have known him, and what a friend to lose.
Photo Credit Great Plains Conservation
With gratitude for all who helped protect him,
Richard Bonham,Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Big Life Kenya
In closing, here’s another beautiful video tribute to One Ton from Great Plains Conservation. RIP One Ton, rest in peace, you are gone but not forgotten.
A portion of all sales in my online store supports the work of the Big Life Foundation. Their work is making a difference for the wildlife and the people who co-exist with them.
The Wisdom of Elephants ©kathykarn
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