Farewell to a Giant: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Craig the Super Tusker
- Jaren A Fernley
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Today, we say goodbye to one of the greatest icons of the African wilderness. Craig, the legendary super tusker elephant of Amboseli, has passed away at the remarkable age of 53. He died of natural causes, peacefully and with dignity, having defied the odds for decades. In a world where elephants with tusks as grand as his are so often targeted by poachers, Craig's long, healthy life is nothing short of a conservation triumph.
At Untamed Photo Safaris, we have been deeply honored to witness Craig’s majestic presence year after year during our safaris. For those lucky enough to see him in the wild, Craig was unforgettable. Towering and regal, with his massive tusks nearly brushing the ground, he was the embodiment of the grandeur and mystery of Africa's wild spaces.
His death is a profound loss, not just for those who knew him, but for the entire conservation community. Yet, as we mourn, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the powerful legacy he leaves behind.
A Living Legend of Amboseli National Park
Craig was more than just a super tusker. He was a symbol of resilience, of the success that’s possible when people come together to protect what matters. For over 50 years, he roamed the Amboseli ecosystem, becoming one of the most well-documented and beloved elephants in the world.
Super tuskers like Craig are incredibly rare - elephants whose tusks each weigh over 100 pounds and stretch so long they almost touch the ground. At the height of the ivory poaching crisis, elephants like Craig were nearly wiped out. That he survived for so long, peacefully and in his prime, speaks volumes about the work of conservationists, local communities, and dedicated organizations working tirelessly to protect these gentle giants.
We Were Fortunate to Walk in His Shadow
We cannot overstate what a privilege it has been to share space with Craig. Over the years, countless Untamed Photo Safaris clients have had the rare opportunity to photograph him in golden light, to sit quietly as he passed by, and to learn his story.
We remember watching our guests' faces light up the first time they laid eyes on him - their awe, their reverence. In those moments, Craig wasn’t just an elephant. He was a teacher, a reminder of what’s at stake, and of what we still stand to lose if we don't continue to fight for the future of elephants everywhere.
To know Craig was to be in the presence of greatness. He was calm, confident, and wise. He moved with intention, commanding respect without demanding it. We were constantly reminded of how fragile and precious these encounters are, and we never took a single one for granted.
A Legacy That Lives On
While Craig may be gone, his legacy continues. He leaves behind numerous offspring who carry his genetics and, hopefully, his calm, noble demeanor. These young elephants will roam the same lands he once did, under the same skies, continuing his lineage and the story he helped shape.
More than that, Craig leaves behind a legacy of hope. His life proves that with persistent conservation efforts, it is possible to protect even the most vulnerable wildlife. His story is a rallying cry for continued funding, education, and protection for Africa’s remaining giants.
What Craig Taught Us
Craig taught us patience. He taught us humility. He taught us to be still and listen, to truly see the wild. He reminded us of the interconnectedness of all life, of the delicate balance of ecosystems, and of our responsibility to protect them.
To every guest who joined us in Amboseli and had the chance to see Craig, we thank you for being a part of his story. Your presence, your photographs, and your support have helped spread awareness and love for these incredible animals.
In Remembrance and in Action
As we remember Craig, we also renew our commitment to the wild. At Untamed Photo Safaris, we believe that powerful storytelling through photography can drive change. We will continue to advocate for the protection of elephants and the wild places they call home.
We encourage all who were moved by Craig to take action in his honor. Support elephant conservation programs. Visit ethical safari operators who prioritize wildlife welfare. Share Craig’s story. Let his memory fuel a deeper respect and urgency for protecting our planet's remaining giants.
Craig was one of a kind. His towering tusks, his calm spirit, and his enduring presence made him a legend in his own time.
We are heartbroken by his passing, but deeply grateful for every moment we spent in his world.
Rest well, Craig. You will never be forgotten.
Thank You to the Guardians of Craig’s Legacy
Craig’s life and legacy would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the conservation community and the incredible people who watched over him for decades.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated teams at:
Amboseli Trust for Elephants – Leading elephant research and conservation in the Amboseli ecosystem.
Big Life Foundation – Protecting over 1.6 million acres of wilderness in East Africa through community-centered conservation.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) – Providing national leadership in wildlife conservation and management.
And most importantly, we thank the local Maasai communities who chose to live in harmony with Craig and his kind. Your respect, coexistence, and cultural guardianship have made all the difference.
To all who helped Craig live a full and protected life: thank you. Your work matters. His life is proof of that.
