Craig was born 50 years ago, and since then, he hasn’t gone unnoticed because of the sheer size of his tusks that almost touch the ground. Because of this, the Maasai warriors of Kenya protect him 24 hours a day from hunters who want to make him their prey.
Nature has shown that it’s full of surprises with its millions of specimens of plants, landscapes, and animals, especially when there is one that stands out above the rest for its characteristics that may be out of the ordinary.
Elephants are known worldwide for the shape of their ears, their trunk, their great bearing, and of course, also thanks to their tusks, but in this aspect, there is one specimen in particular that has stolen all the attention of photographers and locals. This is Craig, an African savannah elephant that has become popular because of the large size of his tusks that almost reach the ground.
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The creature was spotted in Amboseli National Park in Kenya by photographer Clint Ralph, as it took a walk in the African desert under the care of a Maasai warrior who sought to ward off hunters and prevent it from becoming their prey because of its super tusks weighing 45 kilos each, according to the Daily Mail.
This reality sadly continues to happen.
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Craig was born in 1972, making him 50 years old. His species can live to 70, which is more than any other mammal can with the exception of humans.
«He is fifty years old this year with each tusk weighs around 100 pounds (50 kg). He has Maasai warriors that guard him from a distance 24 hours a day to prevent him from being hunted or poached,» Clint was quoted as saying by the same media outlet.
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However, it isn’t just of interest to hunters, but also to those who appreciate nature, like the photographer and his friends who traveled exclusively to Kenya to capture the elephant with their professional camera.
«My friends and I spent some time with him, watching his movements. At one point we figured his path and positioned the vehicle some way in front of him, hoping he would walk past us. He did,» he detailed according to Daily Mail.
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It was an unforgettable moment for the group who were able to get up close and personal with Craig and see his super tusks and appreciate one of nature’s wonders.
«It was emotional to be so close to such a legend in our time. I feel very blessed and privileged to have met Craig and to spend so much quality time with him,» he said according to the site.