Park rangers and town officials have been trying to educate onlookers for decades to stay at least 75 feet away from elk, but teaching naive viewers to keep their distance has been a challenge, especially in autumn when thousands of tourists pour into the area to witness the fall rut, attend the annual Estes Elk Fest, or photograph the dramatic fall colors. Signage and printed handouts at strategic locations constantly caution visitors to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, and elk in particular, but the warnings are often ignored or dismissed during the excitement of seeing the animals up close.
Ironically, it might just be an actual bull elk — or rather a larger-than-life-size bronze statue of one — that becomes the most effective tool in educating the public about safe wildlife behavior.
Kahuna was an enormous bull elk who dominated the Moraine Park section of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) each fall. Experts estimated he weighed 1,100 pounds and believe he was the fifth-largest elk in North America. His massive, basket-shaped antlers featured freakishly long third tines that curved noticeably inward, creating an unmistakable profile that earned him recognition worldwide.
Kahuna was not only a hit with cow elk — defending harems of 100 cows or more — but he was also a favorite of park visitors and photographers. His calm presence and striking features made him one of the most photographed elk on the planet. Wildlife photographer Fred McClanahan Jr., who gave Kahuna his nickname, said, “He was the most popular and most photographed elk on the planet.” The name “Kahuna” was inspired by Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian surfer known as the original Big Kahuna.
Kahuna’s fame extended beyond Colorado. Images of him appeared across social media and in national and international publications. Some of the earliest photos date back to 2015, but many believe he roamed RMNP for a decade or more before he died in March 2022 from injuries sustained in a fight with another bull.
After his death, longtime admirer John Coombs suggested creating a memorial in Kahuna’s honor. He posted the idea on the Elk in Estes Park Facebook page, and it quickly gained support. A steering committee formed, setting a goal to not only commemorate the famous elk but also promote safe wildlife viewing.
That idea grew into a plan for a public art installation that would celebrate Kahuna while educating visitors. The committee envisioned a Smokey Bear-like ambassador — a symbol of conservation and respect for wildlife. A mission statement was drafted, and the committee began raising funds, finding a location, and searching for an artist.
The Art Center of Estes Park became the project’s nonprofit sponsor. Although the committee originally hoped to place a statue in Moraine Park — where Kahuna roamed — RMNP officials declined, citing a need to maintain a “wild and natural” environment. Instead, the committee collaborated with park staff to create two bronze bas-relief interpretive exhibits in Moraine Park and Harbisan Meadows, and one interactive wayside exhibit at the Discovery Center.
These exhibits include tactile features for people with vision impairments and a Near Field Communication (NFC) link to RMNP’s website, where visitors can hear a recording of Kahuna’s bugle and learn about elk behavior and safety.
The Town of Estes Park unanimously approved land for the Kahuna Memorial Wildlife Safety Park, a highly visible site where visitors will see exactly what 75 feet of safe distance looks like. Sculptor Jocelyn Russell, known for the African elephant monument at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, was commissioned to create the life-sized bronze statue. Students and faculty from Colorado State University offered design and planning assistance.
The committee’s goal is to raise $150,000. To date, they have raised approximately $50,000 through donations, fundraisers, and art auctions. With growing awareness and support, they hope to begin production soon and are seeking corporate sponsorship.
To learn more, view photos, or donate, visit:
As the committee put it:
“His thunderous bugle, now silent, cannot be unheard.”
Author and photos by: Dennis Smith
