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Photo finalists and the fate of tusker Zito
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From our CEO – Simon Espley
His name was ZITO
We have confirmed the identity of the super tusker elephant killed in 2024 by a trophy hunter in Tanzania – possibly the last such giant in the Grumeti area, with tusks that sweep the ground.
Trophy hunters will tell you that picking off the big-tusked elephants is sustainable, and many even laud it as “conservation in action”. There are only about 25 super tuskers left in East Africa, and 6 were hunted in 2024 “in the name of conservation”.
As an aside, five of the six killed in Tanzania were Kenyan elephants that roamed across the border into Tanzania.
Tanzania allows trophy hunting, and Kenya does not. Of the remaining super tuskers still alive, Tanzania has approximately 5, and Kenya has 20 after the 2024 killings. Those numbers clearly spell out the impact of trophy hunting on the large-tusked elephant gene. Enough said.
My rule of thumb is that if an activity further reduces the population of a free-roaming species or a genetic trait already in decline, then that activity is, by definition, unsustainable.
Our sharing of Zito’s identity on social media this week elicited understandable anger and confusion about why this is still a thing in a world where free-roaming wildlife is diminishing. It also solicited the predictable ad hominem attacks on AG by trophy hunters and continued justification of their fetish for killing in the name of fun and ego.
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
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From our Editor – Taryn van Jaarsveld
Madagascar’s forests may hold far more life than scientists ever realised. A major new global biodiversity project using innovative survey methods has revealed that the island’s insects, fungi and other overlooked species follow completely different patterns of diversity to larger animals like lemurs and birds. The findings suggest that conservation areas designed around famous wildlife may be missing vast amounts of hidden biodiversity entirely. Researchers estimate Madagascar could harbour around 255,000 arthropod species alone, many still unknown to science, with every remaining patch of forest containing unique life found nowhere else on Earth. The project is also pioneering one of the largest standardised biodiversity monitoring systems ever attempted, using everything from insect traps to fungal spore samplers and camera traps to map life across the planet. Watch this space!
Meanwhile, Photographer of the Year 2026 reaches its final stages with two finalist galleries packed with astonishing moments: brutal predator encounters, surreal light, dense forests, impossible behaviour and breathtaking species from across Africa. And for safari dreamers, we head to Tembe Elephant Park: South Africa’s remote sand-forest wilderness, famous for giant tuskers, intimate Big Five sightings, spectacular birding and one of the country’s most atmospheric safari experiences.
Our stories this week
Tembe Elephant Park
Close elephant encounters, rare sand forests, and slow safari magic define Tembe Elephant Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Finalists – Gallery 1
The finalists for Photographer of the Year 2026 are here! Submissions are now closed. Winners will be announced in early June
Finalists – Gallery 2
Here is Gallery 2 of finalists for Photographer of the Year 2026! Winners will be treated to a safari to Nyungwe, Rwanda
We’ve been nominated as Africa’s Leading Tour Operator in the 2026 World Travel Awards, and we’d love your support.
By voting for Africa Geographic, you’re backing a more conscious and meaningful way to travel — one that celebrates Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity, connects travellers with authentic experiences, and contributes to conservation on the ground. Register and vote for us here.
Travel Desk – 2 African safari ideas
Best of Malawi’s safari parks – 10 days
The best-of-Malawi safari takes you to the Big 5 havens of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and the rugged wilderness of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. The three parks are managed by African Parks, and their conservation success stories are what responsible travel is all about. Come and find out for yourself and make a real difference where it counts.
Art safari in the Big 5 Timbavati – 7 days
Whether you are a passionate beginner or a seasoned creator, this unique art safari offers the chance to hone your skills with professional wildlife artist Alison Nicholls. Soak up the atmosphere of the Big-5 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, South Africa and channel it into artistry! 6-12 September 2026: only 2 spots left!
Still dreaming of the ultimate African safari escape? Browse our safari ideas here. Or click here to plan your safari.
Meet super tusker Hatulo1
First identified in April 2017, Hatulo1 is an impressive, well-natured 45- to 50-year-old bull in his prime. Readily recognised by his symmetrical tusks, he roams widely across the landscape, and experts believe he will surely become Tsavo’s top tusker in time.
We have partnered with Tsavo Trust to protect these natural rarities, of which only an estimated 50–100 remain in the world, and at least eight still call Tsavo home. Through consistent aerial and ground monitoring, dedicated teams work tirelessly to secure a safe future for Hatulo1, safeguarding him from the constant threats of ivory poachers and trophy hunters.
This vital work is only possible because of you. We invite you to donate to our Guarding Tuskers campaign to help ensure Tsavo’s majestic giants can continue to live wild and undisturbed.
OR plan your dream African safari with us – and travel knowing your adventure funds conservation that counts.
WATCH
Discover the Top 7 experiences you can enjoy when staying at Ukuri lodges, from gorilla watching and chimp trekking to guided bush walks, cultural encounters, exceptional birding, and unforgettable Big 5 wildlife viewing. Set in some of Africa’s most remote and extraordinary wilderness areas, every Ukuri journey combines authentic adventure with meaningful conservation impact. (03:19) Watch here.
Cover image: Spotting great elephant herds on the plains of the Mara. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. © Governor’s Camp
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