The Kenya Wildlife Service has announced the death of Craig, one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers and a towering symbol of the country’s wildlife heritage, at the age of 54 in Amboseli National Park.
The gentle giant, famed for his massive ground-sweeping tusks and calm presence, died early this morning of natural causes.
Vanishing giant
Born in January 1972 to matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, Craig grew into one of the most photographed elephants on the continent. His tusks, each weighing more than 45 kilograms, marked him as a true super tusker – a rare class now reduced to fewer than a handful across Africa.
Unlike many bulls, Craig moved peacefully across Amboseli’s plains, often pausing patiently near safari vehicles as tourists and researchers captured his image. His tolerant nature made him a global ambassador for the park and wildlife conservation.
“Craig was more than an elephant; he was a living symbol of Kenya’s natural heritage,” the Kenya Wildlife Service, later referred to as KWS, said in a statement.
Role in the herd
Craig also contributed significantly to elephant populations by fathering several calves. Conservationists note that protecting mature bulls like him supports herd stability and genetic strength.
In 2021, East African Breweries Limited adopted him through its Tusker brand, highlighting corporate roles in conservation and boosting his international profile.
Testament to protection
KWS attributed Craig’s long life to decades of anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection and partnerships with conservation groups and local communities.
“His long life was a testament to sustained conservation, strong anti-poaching efforts and the invaluable partnership between KWS, conservation organisations and the Amboseli community,” the statement added.
Amboseli, home to between 1,600 and 1,800 elephants, provided the wetland ecosystem where Craig roamed freely beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tributes pour in
As news spread, tributes flooded in from Kenya and abroad. Conservation organisations praised him as proof of successful protection efforts.
Though gone, Craig’s offspring, images and conservation lessons will inspire future wildlife safeguards.
His passing marks the end of an era for Africa’s great tuskers, but his legacy endures in Amboseli’s swamps and savannas.
