Can we save the savanna elephant by turning them into local celebrities?

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For 15 million years, African savanna elephants have navigated the landscape using inherited cultural knowledge. Today, this keystone species faces extinction from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservationist Paula Kahumbu argues that the key to their survival may lie in fostering deep, protective connections between these animals and local communities.

The African savanna elephant is a keystone species, meaning its presence is vital to the health of its environment. Despite their long evolutionary success, these giants are currently threatened by three primary factors: the illegal ivory trade, the destruction of their natural habitats, and increasing conflict with human populations. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect, has spent her career working to mitigate these threats by securing space for wildlife and improving human-elephant relations.

Kahumbu’s approach to conservation is rooted in the idea that elephants possess a complex culture. They transmit knowledge across generations, teaching their young how to navigate treacherous terrain and find resources. This learned behavior is essential to their survival. Kahumbu emphasizes that protecting these animals requires more than just anti-poaching measures; it requires a shift in how humans perceive and interact with them. A turning point in her work occurred with an elephant named Tim, a 'super tusker' who had been speared. Rather than hiding him to protect him from poachers, Kahumbu and her team made him famous, turning him into a symbol that captured the hearts of Kenyans.

By making Tim a celebrity, the team secured the resources to treat his injuries, radio-collar him, and provide 24/7 security. This strategy proved that public engagement could be a powerful tool for conservation. Tim belonged to a family of bulls—all named with the letter 'T'—who shared distinct genetic traits, including a specific pattern of large tusks. By documenting these family dynamics and individual stories, Kahumbu aims to transform elephants from anonymous targets into recognized individuals, fostering a culture of stewardship that is necessary to prevent their extinction.

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