The judicial process is on-going in the case brought against Soila Sayialel and Robert Ntawuasa. We cannot comment any further while this process unfolds, and nor will we be speaking to the press. We have been assured by KWS that they regard the Amboseli Trust for Elephants as a highly valued partner and that there is no question that we will be permitted to continue our work in the ecosystem. With this welcome reassurance, we will return our attention to what we are here for: a harmonious and secure future for Amboseli’s people, wildlife and elephants. CM

We are very sorry to report that ATE is facing some of our most challenging times ever. Our Deputy Director Soila Sayialel and Technical Support Assistant Robert Sayialel were arrested and charged with ivory smuggling. We have no belief in these allegations and we are confident an investigation will exonerate them of all charges. We will not comment further on the facts of the case until we have had chance to consult with our lawyers, but we ask everyone to remember that we have fought for and dedicated our lives to elephants for decades. We do not intend to stop now.

Today, May 3, 2013 is the fourth anniversary of Echo’s death. She was probably the best-known wild elephant in the world, but for us in Amboseli she was almost a daily presence, frequently feeding and resting with her family in and around our research camp. We still miss Echo, but we are very happy to report that her family is thriving.

A very powerful film on elephants will be shown on Earth Day, April 22, 7:00-7:45 ET/PT, exclusively on HBO. Narrated and executive produced by Lily Tomlin and directed by Emmy® winner Amy Schatz, both Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole are in the film.

In this important article we argue against a legal ivory trade, which, unfortunately, some mis-guided and naive economists think is possible and recommended.
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/1800368/elephants_are_not...

http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-103402/china-fueling-elephant-poa...

Winnie Kiiru, who was supported for her Ph.D. research in Amboseli by ATE, has written the following in "The Star" newspaper in Kenya:

Kenya: It Is Time to Act On Elephant Poaching
By Winnie Kiiru, The Star
11 January 2013

Poaching of both rhino and elephant has reached alarming levels in Kenya. The recent killing of a family of 12 elephants in Tsavo East National Park by a gang of poachers has raised the level of alarm both nationally and internationally.

Wishing you joyful holidays and a peaceful New Year. Our New Year's resolution will be to continue fighting for the very survival of elephants here in Africa. Demand for ivory is out of control. Join with us and pledge to fight for elephants.

We are very excited to be supporting a wonderful initiative in the Amboseli ecosystem, which will take place on 22 December. The final games resulting from many smaller games at the group ranch level will be held at Kimana. Warriors from four ranches will be participating in running, jumping, rungu throwing, javelin, etc. There will be grand prizes in each category. The guest of honor will be David Rudisha, record-breaking winner of the 800 metres at this year's London Olympics.

The ATE team got word that there was another calf stuck in the same well where they rescued one the day before. The well is way outside the Park on the border with Tanzania. Luckily we were at Tortilis Lodge when we got the message and that is much closer than our camp.