Captured in March 2024, this powerful portrait of Esau was taken from a low angle, allowing his massive form to rise dramatically against a backdrop of storm clouds and tall grass. The image amplifies his strength and presence, magnifying the quiet resilience of this magnificent tusker.

Esau’s lineage is equally remarkable. He is the nephew of Echo, one of Amboseli’s most celebrated matriarchs, and his story is a testament to the legacy of Amboseli’s elephants. This lineage has been meticulously documented by the longest-running study on wild elephants, led by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Esau’s presence in this ecosystem embodies the spirit of generations that have roamed these lands, each one shaping the next with their wisdom, grace, and strength.

However, Esau’s journey has not been without hardship. In the time since this photograph was taken, he suffered a severe wound that required veterinary treatment. Following this, he was fitted with a tracking collar, a vital tool in understanding his movements and well-being. Esau’s journey then took him deep into Tanzania, where he spent six critical weeks navigating the challenges of a region where the threats to elephants like him are escalating. The risk of poaching, conflict with humans, and loss of habitat grows by the day.

Esau’s injury, though he now moves with more caution and in solitude, is a reminder of the fragility of these ancient creatures, even amidst their towering strength. His story is not just about survival but about the broader, ongoing battle to protect the legacy of elephants in Amboseli and beyond. In this image, Esau stands not only as a symbol of resilience but also as a call to action — to safeguard these giants and ensure that future generations continue to roam freely across the lands they have called home.