Who Was Ahmed the Elephant? Google Honours the Animal with a Special Doodle

Ahmed was an elephant who roamed the forests of Mount Marsabit in Kenya. He was born in 1919 and became known for his impressive tusks, which were the longest and heaviest ever recorded in Africa. Each of his tusks weighed over 150 pounds.

Ahmed became a symbol of Kenya's natural beauty and was even given special protection by the country's first president, Jomo Kenyatta. He was also a popular tourist attraction, and many people came from all over the world to see him.

Ahmed was known to climb the hill backwards due to his long tusks. Google Arts & Culture mentioned: “But legend recalls a story of an Elephant whose tusks were so long that he could only climb hills by walking backwards!” 

Ahmed quickly became a symbol of Kenya's natural beauty. He was featured in many magazines and documentaries, and he was a popular tourist attraction. 

In 1970 Ahmed featured in many television projects, including an ABC series and a documentary. 

Ahmed was also a reminder of the importance of conservation. His tusks were a valuable commodity, and poachers were always on the lookout for them. The Kenyan government was determined to protect Ahmed from poachers, and they made him a symbol of their commitment to conservation.

Source: Google Doodle

Google Doodle Honours Ahmed the Elephant 

As Ahmed the Elephant's fame soared, a wave of concern swept through Kenyan school children. Fearing for the safety of this beloved icon, they embarked on a letter-writing campaign, passionately appealing to protect Ahmed from the lurking threat of poachers. Their heartfelt pleas resonated with Kenya's first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, who promptly recognized Ahmed's immense value and swiftly placed him under his protection by Presidential Decree.

Google Doodle pays tribute to Ahmed the Elephant, honouring his remarkable life and the indelible mark he left on Kenya and the world. His story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of nature and our duty to cherish and protect the natural world.