World famous elephant ‘Satao’ killed by poachers in Kenya

One of Africa’s last ‘great tusker’ elephants, a 50-year-old elephant named Satao, has been shot dead by poachers in Kenya. Kenyan-based NGO Tsavo Trust said poachers used poisoned arrows to shoot Satao, before cutting off its face and stealing the tusks. Satao was famous for its giant tusks that weighed more than 100 lbs and touched the ground. In a statement, the NGO said, “Today it is with enormous regret that we confirm there is no doubt that Satao is dead, killed by an ivory poacher’s poisoned arrow to feed the seemingly insatiable demand for ivory in far off countries. A great life lost so that someone far away can have a trinket on their mantelpiece.” It is estimated that close to 100 elephants have been killed this year by poachers, but wildlife conservationists believe the number is much higher.

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