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 in January 2007
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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
