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Matriarch and world renown Echo dies

Category: 1. General News, 2. Field News Kenya, Elephant Sounds | Date: May 04 2009 | By: elephantvoices

It is very sad that Echo, the Matriarch of our primary study group in Kenya, has died. She has been the leader of her family for over 36 years and through all of the research, books and media attention that has focused on her, she has become an icon for elephants. You can read the message from ATE Director Cynthia Moss here.  Our thoughts are with Echo’s family - as this will be a disturbing time for them - with Cynthia, Soila, Norah, Katito and Robert in Amboseli, who have kept up with Echo’s daily life for so many years. All of us who knew Echo have been touched by her gentleness and wisdom, and many of us have sought solace in her presence during difficult times.

Echo has been mentioned in a few posts here on WildlifeDirect. Whenever we think of the Amboseli elephants, we think of Echo. During our field visit in December 2007 - January 2008 we did worry about Echo - since she looked thin and weak - and we are convinced that the ongoing drought has contributed to her demise.

We feel priviledged having been able to spend so much time with this gentle, caring, and wise elephant, who has been such an excellent leader for the EB family for decades.

Listen to the voice of Echo in a Let’s Go Call:

Echo and Emily Kate
Echo and Emily Kate in January 2007

Echo
Echo
Echo

Thank you for your continued interest in the 1,500 elephants of Amboseli - Echo will live on as a symbol of them.

Kind wishes, Joyce and Petter

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13 Responses to “Matriarch and world renown Echo dies”

Siggi, on 04 May 2009

Hi guys,
I was thinking this morning after hearing about the news last night, that it really gives me comfort and how nice it is that at least she got to go the way it is suppose to be. Natural and on her own terms!
RIP, sweet Echo!!

Xavier Van der Veken, on 04 May 2009

This is very sad news, although not unexpected…
My thoughts are with Echo’s family and with Cynthia Moss.

Echo was a true ambassador for her species and a wonderful character. I will always remember her with fond memories…

Xavier

Lesley, on 04 May 2009

I’m so sorry that Echo has passed; and hope, if there’s a world beyond this one, as there should be for elephants especially, she’s there with Erin, grazing to her heart’s content.

Thank you, Echo, for all the wisdom you imparted through your wonderful human friends.

Anna M, on 05 May 2009

Thanks Petter and Joyce, lovely to hear her “let’s go rumble”, she will live on as the symbol of the Amboseli elephants that she so magnificently represented for so many decades..

I also still remember so well your updates here on WD from your time in Amboseli back in Dec-07 - Jan - 08 !

Anita, on 05 May 2009

Oh dear, I just realized Echo might have a milk dependent calf. Please tell me she doesn’t!

Marcia, on 05 May 2009

My thoughts are with everyone involved with Echo and her family. I knew this would happen someday but it’s heartbreaking none the less. Echo gaves us all so much and she will live on in our memories always. Rest in peace sweet Echo.

Lucia Cristiana, Brasil, on 05 May 2009

I am very sad. It is a great loss. Beloved Echo may rest in peace.Thank you all that love them. Remeber: The 20th century was the century of man and the 21st century is the century of Mother Earth, of all the lives and animals.

cockermom93, on 06 May 2009

She was very beautiful and will be greatly missed. :( RIP Echo… Wonderful girl.

Annie, on 06 May 2009

What a sweet lil old lady….I too am glad this old girl went out how she was supposed to go….grow old and go peaceful!

Annick, on 11 May 2009

I never met her but I’m sad as if I did….what a sweet girl.
Good to hear that she died peacefully.

yoly sunday, on 25 May 2009

hi, sad to learn of echo’s death she was truly an inspiration. R.I.P.

Marie Taoukdjian, on 28 May 2009

So sad to hear that dear Echo has passed. She was such a magnificent elephant and such a wonderful and wise leader to her family. We have learned so much about the elephant world from her. She would always be in my memories and my heart. Even though she is gone from this world, I know she is still watching over her family from above. “We love you so much Echo. May you rest in peace”.
~Marie~

Tanja Prummel, on 09 Nov 2009

Dear Echo,

I saw you on Animal Planet and enjoyed the stories about your live. I had tears in my eyes when a calf fell in the water en you and a daughter of you pulled the littele one out off the water. I was so happy!!!

Tanja Prummel
The Netherlands

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