McClanahan is credited with giving the animal the name Kahuna, according to the release. “His bugle was sharp and crisp which along with his huge antlers and massive body attracted many cows to his harem during the rut while other bulls kept their distance,” he said. “Kahuna sported a huge rack with long, wide main beams but his third points made him most recognizable each year,” said Fred McClanahan, Jr., a photographer from Fort Collins who followed the iconic elk for more than five years. The elk, nicknamed Kahuna, Bruno, Incredibull and Big Thirds, was one of the largest elk in North America, with an estimated weight of 1,000 pounds and one of the largest antler rankings recorded, with seven points on each side during his prime years, according to the news release. “We want to preserve Kahuna’s legacy by dedicating a memorial that will tell his story and inspire future generations to visit and watch for his many descendants,” he said.Īs of Sunday night, $8,820 had been contributed by 33 donors. “Kahuna was a magnificent elk that captured the imagination of nature lovers and photographers from around the world,” John Coombs, chair of the Kahuna Memorial Project Steering Committee, said. The team hopes to have the memorial installed in time for the 2023 tourist peak season. The elk died in March after a long life as one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most notable elk, often seen in Moraine Park, the release stated. The Kahuna Memorial Project Steering Committee announced in a news release that it will work with the Art Center of Estes Park to raise $150,000 for the memorial to the well-known bull elk Kahuna. (Jeff Coldwell / Special to the Reporter-Herald) ESTES PARK, CO – Undated: A photo by Jeff Coldwell shows the elk called Kahuna that was well known in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Please help the park protect wildlife by reporting any suspicious activity.Organizers in Estes Park have announced plans to commission a sculpture to remember an elk that died recently in Rocky Mountain National Park. This elk’s remains should be allowed to return to the earth in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he brought much joy to thousands of park visitors over many years. The skull and antlers of this popular elk were cut and illegally removed from Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park’s wildlife is a resource for all to enjoy and protect. You do not have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. If you have information that could help investigators, please contact us. This link will provide other ways to report what you know. If you wish to remain anonymous please visit NPS Anonymous Tip Information. Park rangers urge anyone with information on this illegal incident to call Rocky Mountain National Park’s tip line at 97 or email e-mail us. One antler was still on the skull and it is believed his other antler had been shed before his death. Park rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park are investigating the illegal removal of Kahuna’s skull and antler from his carcass, likely sometime between March 20 and March 22. It is believed that Kahuna died of natural causes, as there were reports he was injured during last year’s mating season and was very underweight in February. Numerous images were also shared of Kahuna’s carcass. He was a majestic elk with distinct large antlers and was widely photographed during his lifetime. Recently, park visitors and area photographers highlighted on social media the passing of a popular large bull elk in Rocky Mountain National Park, referred to as Kahuna, Bruno or Big Thirds. Bull elk in Rocky Mountain National Park known as Kahuna, in the fall of 2021.Īll image credits and rights belong to Dawn Wilson Photography.Ĭontact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs OfficerĬontact: Park Information Office, (970) 586-1206
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