Although Isilo died of natural causes relating to old age,[2] his death attracted international media attention because his tusks, considered a National Heritage artifact, were missing when his body was discovered.
[1][2] Isilo died of natural causes in an area known to be his home range in a southwest section of the park around 10 January 2014.
His carcass was discovered in late March 2014 and his death was announced on April 4, 2014 by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Ernest Robbertse, Manager of the Tembe Elephant Park Lodge.
[2] Isilo's death resulted in international media attention due to his celebrity status and the loss of his tusks, considered a National Heritage artifact.
In 2016, Currie launched a Kickstarter campaign to film Last of the Big Tuskers a documentary about the largest elephants on earth and what is being done to ensure their survival.