Hikers, photographers, families, and wildlife lovers across Colorado are mourning the loss of Split 5, the iconic bull elk who reigned for years in Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for his massive antlers, calm presence, and unmistakable character, Split 5 wasn't just an animal, he was a living symbol of wildness, resilience, and why national parks exist in the first place.
Sign the petition to demand stronger wildlife protections and conservation enforcement in and around Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hunting is illegal inside the park, yet officials say they cannot confirm how Split 5 died. That uncertainty alone should alarm anyone who cares about conservation. When a world-famous elk can disappear without clear answers, it raises serious questions about enforcement, monitoring, and the safety of wildlife in protected spaces.
Split 5 lived an extraordinary life: roughly 12 years, surviving countless ruts, injuries, predators, and human pressure. He drew visitors from around the world, inspired photographers, supported local tourism, and reminded millions that wildlife is not entertainment or a trophy, but a shared natural heritage. His presence helped people fall in love with nature, and that matters.
National parks are meant to be sanctuaries where animals can live and die without human interference. If those protections fail, even once, it sets a dangerous precedent.
Sign the petition to demand the National Park Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife conduct a transparent review of wildlife protection and monitoring practices in and around Rocky Mountain National Park to ensure long-term conservation strategies protect elk and other keystone species!
