Against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, meet the majestic “super tuskers” — male elephants that carry the wisdom of generations, whose tusks each weigh at least 100 pounds. Fewer than 30 remain in all of Kenya. Craig, Pascal, and Esau — tuskers at different stages of life — must navigate the trials, transformations, and experiences that come with age and a shifting landscape.
The film offers a rare window into a world of male African elephants: the annual cycle of musth, a period of heightened hormones for breeding and asserting dominance, as well as tender moments among old friends. Across the open plains of Amboseli National Park and beyond, the bulls must find a balance between independence and the deep social bonds of brotherhood. Their stories reflect a lifetime of survival and strength—shaped by decades of navigating drought, conflict and human-wrought change.
“To enter the world of male elephants was astonishing,” said Allison Argo, writer and producer. “Most of us are aware of female elephants and their remarkable matriarchy, but male elephant society is equally fascinating and complex. To be allowed into their world is a huge privilege–and with that comes a responsibility to protect them.”
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Tusker, Brotherhood of Elephants is available to stream within North America on PBS Passport.
CREDITS
PRODUCED, DIRECTED
AND WRITTEN BY
Allison Argo
NARRATED BY
Noma Dumezweni
CO-PRODUCED BY
Bob Poole
Gina Poole
EDITED BY
Andy Adkins
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY
Bob Poole
COMPOSERS
Lenny Williams
Samantha Williams
Chris Biondo
SOUND EDITING AND MIX
Wounded Buffalo Sound Studios
SECOND CAMERA
Thomas Stafford
LOCATION SOUND
Gina Poole
LINE PRODUCER
Deborah London Harrington
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Selengei Poole-Granli
SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR
Dr. Joyce Poole
FIELD CONSULTANT
Eric Saibulu Ole Kalama
COLOR
Kevin Barker, Faction
ELEPHANT VOCALIZATIONS PROVIDED BY
ElephantVoices
LOCATION ASSISTANCE FURNISHED BY
Big Life Foundation
SPECIAL THANKS
Amboseli Trust for Elephants
Peter Crithary
Kenya Wildlife Service
Jeremy Goss
Craig Millar
Daniel Popote
Richard Bonham
Mpumpu Likena
Daniel Kutata
STOCK FOOTAGE
Jeremy Goss
Mark Deeble & Victoria Stone
FIXER
Red Earth Fixers