The Mara Elephant Who's Who database has been populated by examining photographs of elephants and coding in characteristics of each individual. In order to use the database effectively you need to understand the terminology used. In most cases the terms are intuitive; "no tusks" means the individual has "no tusks". But you may not understand terms such as "dip-notch". Before you search for an elephant, take time to understand the different criteria under the Features Guide, where you will find eight educational slideshows going through the criteria that have been used to populate the Who´s who database.

The ID card with photos for each of the elephants registered in the Mara Elephant Who's Who database can be printed out as a .pdf, for guides and others in the Mara wanting to bring it out on a game drive or walk as basis for better storytelling. Or by visitors wanting to look for and learn more about members of the elephant population in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Try to narrow down your search

The Who's who database has been coded such that each additional selection narrows the search. If you select "hole" in the left ear and "V-notch" in the right you can narrow your search to a few elephants. But, if we have not entered the hole, or you select the wrong feature, the elephant you are trying to ID will be excluded from the search result. Be prepared to try again with fewer criteria.

Keep in mind that one man's "U-notch" may be another's "cup-notch". We have tried to enter both where there can be confusion; if you don't find the elephant you are searching for try selecting a slightly different set of features.

Start by sexing the elephant and using the elephant´s most salient characteristics

Do you know the area the elephant was seen?

Selecting the General Area that the elephant was seen can also exclude many elephants and may help you to find the elephant you are looking for. Try it, but be prepared to exclude it. Remember, it won't help if we do not already have a record of that individual in that particular area.

Once you click the search button the selections you have made will appear at the top of the scroll bars and the elephants who fit the selected characteristics will appear below.

If you hover over a code number, thumbnails of that elephant will appear. You can then scan general tusk and ear shapes to see whether any look like the elephant you are searching for. Clicking on a thumbnail will bring up the elephant's ID Card with larger images. Click on an image and the full size picture will appear for you to study.

Reset or deselect features and try again

Not the elephant you are looking for? Close the window and scan through the other elephants. If you don't find who you are looking for, revise your search by either clicking the reset button or using Command/Control button as you click the features you want to deselect.

If you still don't find the elephant you are looking he or she may be a elephant we haven't registered it. Please submit your photograph(s) to us on the observation form and we will add the elephant to the database.

How to query the Mara Elephant Who's who database

If you have questions about the elephants registered in the Who's who database you can go to the query page. Enter or select the criteria you are interested in and click search.

How to query the Mara Elephant Whereabouts database

If you want to find out information about the Mara elephants you can query the Whereabouts database. Go to the Whereabouts page and use the scroll downs to select the subset of data you are interested in and click search. If you want to know more about a particular observation clicking on it will take you to the record.

How to use Mara Elephants Mapping function

If you want to see the observations depicted on a map go to the mapping page. The mapping function is still work in progress - additional information about how to use it will be added.

How to comment on an elephant, or add an observation

You can comment on a particular elephant on the elephant's ID card, and you can upload your own observations from the Mara either through the web or with the help of our Android-based Mara EleApp. Please also visit the Join & Support! page.