Craig, the Photographer-Favourite ‘Super Tusker’ African Elephant, Has Handed Away

Craig, broadly considered some of the photographed elephants on the planet, died over the weekend at 54 years previous. Tributes have poured in from many wildlife and nature photographers who captured Craig’s portrait throughout his lengthy life. Craig, a “super tusker” elephant, was rather more than a beautiful elephant; he was an emblem for wildlife conservation in his native Kenya and past.

Craig lived in Amboseli National Park, a protected habitat in southern Kenya and a frequent vacation spot for safari vacationers and wildlife photographers.

“Craig, the legendary super tusker famed for its immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, passed on at the age of 54,” the Kenya Wildlife Services stated in a press release. The wildlife providers added that Craig died of pure causes.

“Super tusker” elephants are vanishing quickly. They are a particular sort of elephant with tusks that weigh over 100 kilos (greater than 45 kilograms) every. A “super tusk” will not be merely resulting from being massive and previous, however is the results of a uncommon genetic trait. “Super tusker” elephants are beautiful, highly effective creatures with a definite look, making them not solely a favourite topic of photographers but in addition a prized goal for poachers. “Super tusker” elephants like Craig require vital safety to outlive.

Craig was broadly thought-about particular not just for his magnificent look and big tusks, but in addition for his calm and delicate demeanor. Many world-famous photographers linked with Craig and are reeling from his loss.

Italian wildlife photographer Federico Veronesi, whose e book “Walk the Earth” focuses completely on vanishing “super tusker” African elephants, commented on Craig’s loss on Instagram.

“Terrible loss today of our beloved Craig (1972-2026), the most gentle and trusting great tusker ever. He died in peace, looked after by rangers and the Maasai community he shared the land with. It will be difficult to fill the void he leaves behind,” Veronesi wrote.

“While he roams again on the eternal plains in the sky with his friend Tim, we have to make sure we keep on protecting our heaven here on earth,” the photographer continued.

Famous nature photographers and husband-and-wife duo Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier additionally released a joint statement on Craig’s passing.

“[Cristina] and I are heartbroken to hear that Craig, the legendary tusker of Amboseli, has passed after a long and beautiful life on the savannah. At well over 50, he was a wise and beloved patriarch, a constant presence that shaped one of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. Protected by the local community lands and the national park, Craig lived as an old bull should: foraging in the shade, taking dust baths, and curiously observing the stream of parkgoers, rangers, and photographers who traveled from across the world just to be near him. It was an honor to meet him, if even for a few brief days, and a comfort to know he will be deeply missed by the countless lives he touched over the decades. Rest well, Tembo King,” Nicklen wrote.

Coincidentally, Craig, the elephant, was featured on the quilt of the latest problem of the revived Outdoor Photographer magazine. The beautiful cowl picture seen under was captured by wildlife photographer Nili Gudhka, who reflected on Craig’s passing on Instagram.

“It’s taken me a while to write this. As I went through my photos of Craig while preparing this post, I was filled with mixed emotions. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Craig, one of the most iconic elephants in the world. Losing a super tusker like him is an immense loss,” Gudhka wrote. “But alongside the sadness, I also feel gratitude. Gratitude in knowing that Craig passed away from natural causes. Gratitude in knowing that he felt safe and comfortable around humans. He shared his home with the Maasai community of Amboseli, people who saw him as one of their own.”

Gudhka describes Craig as “the guardian of Amboseli” and says she is going to at all times keep in mind him for his “grace and patience.”

While Craig’s loss leaves an immense void, it is important to keep in mind that Craig was in a position to stay a whole life in nature due to the laborious work and dedication of numerous folks in Kenya. There is probably not an elephant fairly like Craig, however there are various elephants who deserve the identical stage of care and safety as Craig obtained. The “super tusker” elephant is fading, however these fantastic animals nonetheless have an opportunity. Craig was an inspiration to many, and his legacy will stay on ceaselessly.

Image credit: Featured picture by Nili Gudhka (@thejunglechic)