Craig, a larger than life legend

Amboseli National Park, May 2025

Super tusker, Craig, a true legend and icon, has passed. He was 54.

He's the reason we traveled to Kenya last May. Our guide, Solomon, was so nervous. He had just led a group on a search for five long days with no luck. We told him no pressure and that we know it could be a long shot - but his face said he would continue to be worry.

On our first morning out in the bush we followed three cheetah brothers stalking an ostrich when Solomon received a call on the radio. Craig had been spotted about an hour away from our location. There was no guarantee he would still be there, but we wanted to try.

We raced across Amboseli, bouncing along in our Land Cruiser to meet up with one of Solomon's spotters who had ditched his motorcycle at the base of a tree. He hopped into the truck and led us through the maze of what appeared to be acacias, red bush willows, and other shrubs. We rounded the edge of a grove into a clearing - and there he was, grazing. The only sound was his trunk pulling against the twigs and leaves to free his next bite. He was magnificent - absolutely towering over us, with huge tusks that could scrape the ground as he walked. Despite his imposing size, he emanated a sense of calm.

We were able to exit the car and actually stand in his presence, at his level, no obstruction. No fear. Just existing in that space. It was a powerful moment I'll never forget, and am so fortunate to have experienced it thanks to the whole team that made this encounter happen at Nale Moru, as well as to the wonderful folks who make it their mission to protect these legendary creatures.