The setting sun makes its way toward the horizon of Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Peacefully grazing on the lush vegetation is a small family group of African elephants, part of a herd that’s sustained tremendous losses due to poaching.
In August 2014, World Wildlife Fund published a report inspired by an aerial survey of the world-famous Mara Serengeti ecosystem. Scientists found a total of 192 elephant carcasses, 117 in Kenya and 75 in Tanzania. More shocking was that 84% of the carcasses in Kenya were found outside Masai Mara National Reserve, all with their tusks missing.
I captured this tranquil scene on our 2015 Kenya Invitational Photo Tour. During this year's trip, we saw even fewer elephants than we have in the past. Thankfully the Masai Mara is still one of the best places in Africa to photograph these incredible animals.
Elephants will continue to face a threatened future without immediate action against poaching. I hope you will lend your support to WWF to ensure the sun never permanently sets on the elephants of Africa.