Kenya’s Iconic Tusker Elephants: From Wild Wonders to Flip-Flop Art

By Erin Smith, CEO Ocean Sole

1. What are the super tusker elephants in Kenya?

2. Who is the famous elephant in Amboseli?

3. Is Craig the elephant still alive?

4. Who was the famous elephant poacher?

5. Tsavo’s Giants & Conservation Heroes

6. A Conservation Miracle: Elephant Twins During COVID

7. Visit Kenya — See Legends, Bring One Home

8. Flip-Flop Art with Purpose

9. Take Action Now

What are the super tusker elephants in Kenya?

There I was, standing in Amboseli National Park, breathless as Big Tim, one of Africa’s most iconic super tusker elephants, strolled majestically against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a moment that stays with you — and one that ignited my mission to blend conservation with art. This picture was taken from my iPhone in 2019 — it was amazing. He was surrounded by eight other big tuskers, and the guides called them his protectors.

Tusker elephants, especially “super tuskers” with tusks over 45 kg each, are exceedingly rare — fewer than 30 remain across Africa. In Tsavo alone, about 10 are tracked and protected. These giants are living icons, walking testaments to resilience and heritage.

Standing in Amboseli in 2019, I watched Big Tim — one of Africa’s last great super tuskers — stroll past Kilimanjaro with his “bodyguards” by his side. Fewer than 30 like him remain in all of Africa.

Who is the famous elephant in Amboseli?

For many, the name that comes to mind is Big Tim — Kenya’s national treasure. He roamed Amboseli for five decades, his huge tusks almost brushing the ground. Tim passed away from natural causes (a twisted gut) on February 4, 2020. Rumor has it he sired over 100 offspring — a legacy still walking the plains today.

We built Big Tim again — this time from hundreds of washed-up flip-flops. Every piece of his colourful replica carries the story of his life and the beaches we’ve cleaned to make it.

Ocean Sole honoured his memory with a life-sized flip-flop replica, now in his forever home.

Is Craig the elephant still alive?

Yes! Craig is another remarkable living super tusker in Amboseli, frequently photographed with Kilimanjaro in the background. Gentle and unhurried, Craig has become a favourite for guides, conservationists, and wildlife lovers alike. Protecting him — and others like him — is essential to ensuring these living legends survive for future generations.

Who was the famous elephant poacher?

Sadly, the history of Kenya’s elephants includes the shadow of poaching. One of the most infamous was a man known as “Sheikh,” whose network was linked to the killing of several super tuskers before his arrest in the 2010s. His capture was a turning point, thanks to relentless work by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers and conservation partners. It’s a sobering reminder of why our work — and yours — matters.

Tsavo’s Giants & Conservation Heroes

The Tsavo Conservation Area — covering Tsavo East & West — is a stronghold for tuskers, closely monitored by KWS, the Big Tusker Project, and the International Elephants Foundation. These organisations work tirelessly on ground and aerial anti-poaching efforts, research, and surveillance to protect the few remaining giants.

A Conservation Miracle: Elephant Twins During COVID

During the quiet of the COVID-19 lockdown, Kenya experienced a rare surge in elephant twin births — an extraordinary sign of nature’s resilience. Wildlife photographer David Yarrow travelled to Amboseli to capture this phenomenon. It was a reminder that when we create space and protection, nature flourishes.

Visit Kenya — See Legends, Bring One Home

There’s nothing like standing in Amboseli or Tsavo and encountering these giants in person. And when you visit Ocean Sole in Nairobi, you can take a piece of that experience home — whether in person or online. Our flip-flop elephants are vivid, hand-carved tributes to Kenya’s wildlife, and your support ensures our artisans thrive and conservation continues.

Flip-Flop Art with Purpose

Our artists transform discarded flip-flops into whimsical elephant sculptures. Each purchase:

• Removes plastic from beaches

• Supports local artisans

• Fuels anti-poaching programs

It’s art that carries a story — of hope, heritage, and habitat.

From beach to masterpiece — our incredible team of Kenyan artisans with the giant elephants they’ve carved from discarded flip-flops. Each one is a tribute to the wildlife we’re protecting.

Take Action Now

🌍 Visit us when you’re in Kenya — Ocean Sole Workshop

🐘 Shop our Elephant Collection — Flip-Flop Elephants

💚 Support conservation with every purchase