Elephants, the largest land mammals in the world, can be found in India, Asia, and Africa. Each continent influences the elephants that live there, resulting in different temperaments, size and other physical variations and life adaptations. However, Africa is home to the largest “tuskers” in the world, specifically at Tembe Elephant Park located in a very remote part of the north-east South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. One of the elephants we see on the Tembe Cam is Isilo (meaning wild animal or king in Zulu), a regal and elusive huge bull elephant that has tusks estimated to be 2.6 m/8.53 ft, and weigh about 60 kg/132 lbs. Isilo, at approximately 60 years of age, leads a herd that has migrated as far back as anyone can remember between Maputaland, as the region is known, and Mozambique. Not only is he one of the largest tuskers in South Africa, scientists agree he may be the largest in the world. Over his lifetime, Isilo has experienced many changes in the territory he calls home. Civil war would have found him hiding for survival, as many of his kin were shot and slaughtered to feed the fighting men. Isilo would have been among those herds that fled south to escape across the South African border. They found refuge in what in 1983 was declared the Tembe Elephant Park, established in hopes of protecting these huge animals. Isilo, along with most of the elephants at Tembe, is very shy and avoids the camera if possible. Even at such a grand size, these mammals can still disappear into the bush as quickly as the smaller animals that roam the area. As with most elephants, they are inquisitive and stubborn at times. Isilo has developed a fondness of going where ever he chooses, and on occasion pushes down the perimeter fence around the camp and wanders through, reminding the visitors that this is his territory, he’s just allowing them to visit. Respecting his age and authority, he isn’t chastised by the Tembe folks; they just put the fence back up and know he’s going to come back again whenever the mood strikes him. The Tembe cam allows us to view Isilo and some of the other big tuskers in this area. These larger and older elephants carry with them many years of elephant adventures, some of which are harsh and cruel. Yet they have thrived through all the turmoil and can still be seen in this part of the world. Isilo, the king of elephants,has claimed the title by carrying around the largest tusks in the territroy. If he could understand those words I’m not sure he would be too impressed, as in his mind he’s been the king for a long long time, not needing our label to make him feel good. As the Africam staff continues to fine tune the Tembe Cam for our viewing pleasure, we will continue to watch in hopes of a glimpse of this magnifecnt mammal. There are times when the view at Tembe looks like a made to order view, full of animals including elephants, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, storks, and many more. An occasional lion wanders through helping us realize the serene view is not as calm as we think it is. As always, continue to enjoy the cams, and we'll keep you posted on the updates and improvements on the Tembe Cam. (edited reprint from 12/2009)

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