1. Blood, liver, heart, testis, skin, eye, muscle and kidney samples were obtained from elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kruger National Park during a culling programme in April 1992. 2. Gene products of 25 protein coding loci in L. africana were examined by horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis. 3. Eighteen protein coding loci (72%) displayed monomorphic gel banding patterns whereas only seven (28%) displayed polymorphic gel banding patterns. 4. Average heterozygosity values for adults, youngsters and the total population are respectively 0.058, 0.024 and 0.047. 5. Relative gene diversities within and between populations are 84% and 16% respectively. 6. Two population simulation programmes were utilized to predict the duration of the current variability present in this species, based on current genetic variation and gene transfer from one generation to the next.