Welcome back to #FridayswithFred! As a big tusker, Fred is closely monitored for his safety. Every time he approaches, his long, powerful strides command attention, and the team falls completely silent—just listening to his footsteps echo across the Mara.
Welcome back to #FridaysWithFred! Ear scratching and using mud for skin protection are natural elephant behaviors. But each individual performs them with a unique rhythm and preference. Every elephant has quirks, just like us—but Fred? He always does it the Fred way.
It’s #FridaysWithFred! If you’re new here, Fred is one of the most well-known bull elephants in the Mara ecosystem and one of the reasons data-led conservation matters so much. Fred’s movements help illustrate how elephants move across the wider Mara landscape.
MEP has a very special #FridayswithFred for you today. Meet Peter Blackwell, a Kenyan artist that brings to life the wildlife and landscapes he portrays. His most recent subject? Mara Tusker Fred. If you’re anxiously awaiting the final portrait of Fred like us, all will be revealed in the new year.
Spend #FridayswithFred, one of the Mara’s most iconic bull elephants. Fred embodies everything we strive to protect at MEP. Once known for his brazen crop raiding behavior, Fred now spends most of his time grazing in wildlife designated areas. MEP works to ensure elephants like Fred thrive.
Just a quick visit from Mara Elephant Project's friend Fred, since it’s #FridaysWithFred. He stopped by, said ‘hi’, and then went on his way.
It’s #FridaysWithFred! This week, the Mara giant was spotted with fellow bull Flopy Lopsy. Though not often seen together, MEP’s monitoring team observed them a few times recently, Fred towering beside Flopsy, who’s notable for his missing tail. A true Mara giants’ duo!
It's #FridaysWithFred, but with a twist: We would like to see your version of Fred! Draw, paint, sculpt, or meme him. Post your fun photos in the comments below, let’s go!
It’s #FridaysWithFred! What do you notice first about Fred? His size, body marks, tusks...? Drop your answers in the comments!
It’s Friday which means we’re all going to take a break and enjoy some recent footage captured by the Mara Elephant Project research team while monitoring collared elephant Fred. You’ve earned it.
#FridayswithFred
It’s #FridayswithFred! Can you spot him? Fred, who is in his late 40s, weighs about 6 tons (12,000 lbs.), identified by his long tusks, two U-shaped tears, and holes on his right ear, a small hole on his lower left ear, and a wart on the right side of his trunk. #MaraElephants
It’s #FridayswithFred, who is currently residing with a new friend, a sub-adult bull in a marshy area within Mara North Conservancy. The Mara Elephant Project long-term monitoring team conducted a monitoring exercise and confirmed he’s in good health and enjoying the company of a new friend.
Today, the MEP team monitored Fred alongside fellow bull Individual 58. Fred has survived 50 years in this landscape and weathered the rise in poaching, then human-elephant conflict and we’re so thankful we can continue to spend #FridayswithFred thanks to your support.
It’s #FridayswithFred and today you’re heading into the field to monitor collared elephant Fred alongside Mara Elephant Project Research Assistant Saleno Mparru. Just like old friends, Fred moved closer to the MEP patrol vehicle as soon as he saw our team filming.
