15/09/2026
An amazing sighting this afternoon of this magnificent "tusker" we call Tussle. Why Tussle?
With the extensive research being done in greater Kruger, mainly focused on elephant impact management, he was identified in the early 2000's already, when he was just a mere teenager. Ironically both his tusks were snapped off back then, as he apparently liked to "tussle" with other bulls, over zealously so. But he outgrew his need to define self and let his superior genetics take over, and now, in his late 30's he is emerging, as possibly one of the greatest tuskers of all time. He is relatively young for an elephant and his tusks will keep growing until his expected expiry after 60 years of age.
As guides and conservationists alike, we aim to not anthropomorphize animals, by for instance, naming them. But how can you not acknowledge this magnificent individual when you see him? Especially if you have shared a moment with him, which I was very fortunate to have done.
Just a few nights ago I was fast asleep in my room in the rangers' village, when I woke to a confused state between alpha and beta consciousness. You know, when you're not sure if you are awake or asleep, as I heard something on the roof, which didn't make a lot of sense. Baboons are roosting, hard rule. Leopards are not shy of a roof, and in my years in the bush I've seen numerous feline royalty lounging on the apex of thatched roofs, but, they are quiet as mice in their movement. So my only conclusion was, that I was dreaming.
But then I heard a commotion outside, still uncertain, I lay listening, until I heard the slow, gentle, crunching of my beloved aloes between massive molars. I knew exactly what was happening. We left the gate open, and an elephant wondered in, squeezed through a very tight space between my and my neighbour’s rooms, full knowing where the delicacies have been nurtured, not entirely for this occasion, but there we were.
So, I immediately got up to asses the gravity of the situation, as much as to experience the thrill of being in the presence of an elephant at close quarters under the full moon. Elephants expect to encounter people in camps, and in my experience, are more relaxed with our company at night. Which, given our shared past, makes sense, but that's a discussion for another time.
But only when I opened my sliding door, seeing only legs and two massive tusks from under my porch roof, did I realize I'm in the presence of greatness. It's Tussle, almost in my house, eating my plants. And despite the origins of his name, he has come to be known as one of the most relaxed elephants around people and vehicles, ever. Still a very fine line to negotiate, but here, under the full moon, we stood less than 6 feet apart and shared a moment. He froze, watching me, and I didn’t move, out of awe and respect. Sensing this, he continued to destroy our garden with counter intuitive caress. Regardless of the damage he was about to do to our camp, I’m not worthy of accosting this magnificent creature in an effort to disperse him.
Once he had his fun, he simply squeezed back out between the thatched roofs and calmly walked towards the gate. I followed at a respectful, but exhilarating distance. I then realized we did not forget the gate open, he simply flattened it, and politely left the same way.
I watched him disappear into the night, fully aware, and grateful, for having an experience that defines a lifetime.
