The recent passing of Craig, one of Africa's last legendary 'super tuskers', has sent ripples of grief through the global conservation community. For a writer from Kerala, S Gopalakrishnan, the news carried a deeply personal weight, evoking memories of a majestic encounter and highlighting a stark contrast with the plight of hundreds of chained Asiatic elephants in his home state.
A Majestic Encounter in the Amboseli Rain
The author's journey to meet the iconic elephant began in November 2017 at Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Guided by their enthusiastic guide, Sana, the writer and his wife, Reena, embarked on a quest to spot Craig, whose immense tusks had made him a global symbol of anti-poaching success. The Kenyan rains, reminiscent of Kerala's monsoons, set a familiar and welcoming stage for this wildlife pilgrimage.
After days of anticipation, a clever ruse involving a 'broken-down jeep' orchestrated by Sana led them to their destination. There, standing alone and majestic, was Craig. His calm demeanour was as striking as his physical grandeur, with one legendary tusk gently brushing the ground. Sana revealed that each of Craig's tusks weighed approximately fifty kilograms, a testament to his rare genetics and a lifetime of protection from poachers.
A Life of Freedom Versus a Life in Chains
Kenyan forest officials state that Craig was born in 1972 to the great matriarch Cassandra of the CB family. He lived a full, natural lifespan, passing away peacefully on January 3, 2026, just two hours before sunrise. His life, spent roaming the wilds of Amboseli, stands in tragic opposition to the reality the author witnesses in Kerala.
In Kerala, around nine hundred domesticated Asiatic tuskers live perpetually in chains, denied basic freedoms like mating and natural movement. Reflecting on Craig's peaceful death after a life of wild autonomy, the writer is starkly reminded of the lifelong miseries endured by these captive elephants. Craig's story is not just one of individual animal celebrity; it is a powerful narrative about what effective conservation vigilance can achieve.
Legacy of a Gentle Giant
Craig's legacy is multifaceted. He was a living emblem of successful wildlife protection in Amboseli, where sustained efforts have safeguarded Africa's largest elephants. His gentle nature in the presence of humans was seen as a conscious ambassador for his species' survival. More tangibly, he leaves behind countless descendants who will continue to roam the park, ensuring his genetic and symbolic lineage endures.
For the observer from Kerala, Craig's free life underscores a poignant and urgent conservation ethic. The farewell to this great elephant is tinged with both celebration for his protected existence and sorrow for the countless tuskers who will never know such liberty. His story is a call to reflect on our relationship with these magnificent creatures, both in the wild and in captivity.
