In December of 2013, the largest elephant in the world was seen for the last time. His name in Zulu was Isilo, which means “”king of kings.”” Conservationists searched months on end for his body, until in 2014, the carcass of the giant was found in the African bush, his magnificent nine-foot tusks gone. Tom Mahamba was one of the last people to see Isilo alive in Tembe Elephant Park, the place he calls home on the South African side of the border with Mozambique.
A big tusker elephant has at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds or more. Only 100 years ago, thousands roamed the wilds of Africa. Today, only 22 remain. “”Last of the Big Tuskers”” focuses on the last of these iconic animals and what is being done to keep them safe.