In Search of Craig

Africa’s largest living Super Tusker

I was looking for something special to paint while my wife and I were traveling around Kenya in October 2021. We first heard about Craig from our driver after visiting the “Sheldrick Wildlife Trust” in Nairobi (an elephant rescue and sanctuary). Craig is a super tusker and, at 50 years old, is said to be the largest and oldest living elephant in the world. We immediately set up a search the next day.

With our truck

With our truck

Visiting Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Visiting Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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Amboseli, in the southern Kenyan plains, is located in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro. The area is known for the wildlife and the extra large elephants. Despite their size, elephants can travel long distances in a slow mesmerizing walk. That mornin

Amboseli, in the southern Kenyan plains, is located in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro. The area is known for the wildlife and the extra large elephants. Despite their size, elephants can travel long distances in a slow mesmerizing walk. That morning, after a two hour drive, we picked up our Maasai guide in the middle of nowhere. Soon after we found the famous Bull.

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Craig travels solo under the watchful eye of the Maasai and seems very peaceful while sifting the dry earth for food. The Maasai are very comfortable around Craig as if they have an understanding. The warriors guard Craig from poachers that would

Craig travels solo under the watchful eye of the Maasai and seems very peaceful while sifting the dry earth for food. The Maasai are very comfortable around Craig as if they have an understanding. The warriors guard Craig from poachers that would literally kill to get the tusks and the Maasai make a little money from photographers like me. We drive within 50 yards of Craig and stop. To get the photo I wanted for my painting I needed to almost lay down for the correct angle with my zoom lens. The guide encourages me to get out of the truck to do this.

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Craig is also a curious elephant and I am not the first photographer to want his picture. As Craig came closer our driver advised me that if something were to happen don’t bother to try and get back into the truck. Safer to roll under it. Craig i

Craig is also a curious elephant and I am not the first photographer to want his picture. As Craig came closer our driver advised me that if something were to happen don’t bother to try and get back into the truck. Safer to roll under it. Craig is now so close that he is larger than can fit into my camera lens. At this point I can reach out and touch his tusks - I froze.

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Craig, Oil on linen, 58” x 78”

Craig, Oil on linen, 58” x 78”

I took several photos to create this painting of Craig. I also included images of Kilimanjaro and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately Craig is nearing the end of his life as he is on his last set of teeth (they have six sets over their lifespan).