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Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Pioneering Elephant Researcher, Dies at 83

Tributes highlight a legacy that reshaped elephant science, policy, protection.

Overview

  • Save the Elephants said Douglas-Hamilton died in Nairobi on December 8 at age 83.
  • He founded Save the Elephants in 1993 and helped establish GPS tracking, aerial surveys and collaring as standard conservation tools.
  • His documentation of 1970s–80s poaching losses helped build momentum for the 1989 international ivory-trade ban, with later advocacy supporting domestic market closures, including in China.
  • Prince William issued a personal message of condolence recalling time spent with Douglas-Hamilton in Africa, as conservation groups from Tusk to the Wildlife Conservation Network and the Uganda Conservation Foundation paid tribute.
  • He is survived by his wife Oria, daughters Saba and Dudu, and six grandchildren, with his organization and protégés continuing fieldwork and monitoring programs he advanced.