Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/bull-elk-big-kahuna-died/
A well-known and photographed bull elk called “Bruno”, or “Big Kahuna” has died.
His body was discovered by photographers who were also the last ones to take his picture a few weeks ago. He was known for his commanding presence, massive size, and unique antlers.
Posted by Good Bull Outdoors on Sunday, March 20, 2022
He roamed freely in the Rocky Mountain National Park and was roughly 10 years old.
Good Bull Outdoors, a husband and wife photography team, posted:
“We’re sad to announce the passing of perhaps the most iconic elk in history. Bruno, aka Kahuna, aka Incredibull was last seen alive on 3/7 by ourselves and @acsnaturephotography – then a storm rolled in and we lost his location. Many miles hiked between ourselves and Andrew and we made the unfortunate discovery – Bruno had likely been taken down by a mountain lion with tracks surrounding the area he was found. Being the first to place a hand on his magnificent antler (one had already been shed) was humbling and all three of us – myself, Alli and Andrew – were each blessed to be the last to see him alive and the first to see him passed on.”
Posted by Good Bull Outdoors on Sunday, March 20, 2022
Andrew Sanders, owner of ACS Nature Photography, wrote on Instagram, “The King has fallen! Debatably the most photographed bull in the country has laid to rest.”
The news of his passing quickly spread online and numerous people who were lucky enough to see Bruno shared their photographs and memories of him.
Another photographer tweeted, “Rest in peace, Big Kahuna. I learned today that the biggest, baddest elk bull of Rocky Mtn Natl Park was found dead last week. Over the years I took hundreds of pics of him, these from 9/27/19. He will be missed.”
Rest in peace, Big Kahuna. I learned today that the biggest, baddest elk bull of Rocky Mtn Natl Park was found dead last week. Over the years I took hundreds of pics of him, these from 9/27/19. He will be missed.#wildlife #wildlifephotography #Colorado #RMNP #elk #Canon pic.twitter.com/wxxUVqyG8R
— Tony’s Takes (@TonysTakes) March 21, 2022
In the fall a new “king” will emerge and photographers are eager to see who it will be, but they will never forget Big Kahuna.
Learn more about the elks that reside inside Rocky Mountain National Park by clicking here.
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
