Last of the Super Tuskers.
To date, the making of this very special new sculpture has had over a million views on social media, and the first two pieces in the edition are already sold. Pre-orders are open now - full listing here - at a £250 discount - don’t miss out!
Like many animal lovers across the world, I was deeply saddened to hear earlier this year of the passing of Craig, one of the last of Africa’s great super tuskers. It seemed only right to commemorate his life with an animal sculpture. For an enduring legend such as Craig, I felt that only a very special limited edition sculpture in bronze would suffice. And so began my latest bronze animal sculpture.
Photo of Craig by Mark Fernley
Born in 1972 in Amboseli, Craig became a symbol of wildlife conservation in Africa. His 2.1m (6.9ft) long tusks are estimated to have weighed over 45kg (99lb) each. Despite his immense size and power, he was renowned as a gentle giant and was much loved all over the world.
Craig taking shape (early stages)
In 2021, due in no small part to his enduring worldwide popularity, Craig was adopted as an ambassador for the popular Kenyan lager brand Tusker. The Kenya Wildlife Service described him as an icon of successful wildlife conservation. On discovering his passing, local rangers sat in vigil over his body, ensuring he was protected in death as he was in life.
Craig was one of the last of Africa’s true super tuskers, a rare class of bull elephant with enormous tusks reaching down to the ground. Fewer than a handful remain today. He was a living monument to Africa's natural heritage, and will be remembered as such. He bore his fame with quiet dignity, and would pause patiently as visitors flocked to photograph and film him in action.
Craig died of old age, after his last set of molar teeth wore out and he could no longer chew his food properly, causing a rupture in his intestines. He came to rest on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. He is survived by his sister Cerise.
My sculpture of Craig is at the foundry in preparation for bronze casting and patination. It will be finished in a realistic elephant grey. It is available now for pre-order at a special £250 discount on the launch price. Full details and ordering information are on the listing page.
Available to order now on pre-release including a special £250 discount on the full release price. Limited edition bronze sculpture. Photos show the ceramic sculpture before casting. The finish will be a realistic elephant grey patina.
