Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the death of Craig, the legendary Amboseli super tusker whose massive tusks and towering presence made him one of the most recognisable elephants in the world.
Craig, aged 54, passed away early this morning in Amboseli National Park, marking the loss of one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers.
“Craig was more than an elephant; he was a living symbol of Kenya’s natural heritage and a global ambassador for wildlife conservation,” KWS said in a statement.
Born in January 1972 to the revered matriarch Cassandra of the CB elephant family, Craig grew to become a conservation icon, admired globally for both his size and his gentle nature.
Super tuskers are a rare class of bull elephants whose tusks weigh more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) each. Today, fewer than a handful remain on the continent, making Craig not just an individual elephant, but a living symbol of Africa’s vanishing giants.
His passing highlights the fragility of this unique lineage and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
Craig was also admired for his calm and peaceful temperament. Unlike many bull elephants, he moved through Amboseli’s plains without disturbing people, often allowing tourists, researchers, and filmmakers to capture his image.
He fathered several calves, ensuring that his strong genetics and calm nature live on in future generations. Conservationists say protecting mature bulls like Craig is vital for the health and stability of elephant populations.
In 2021, Craig’s global stature was recognised when he was adopted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand, demonstrating the importance of corporate support for wildlife conservation.
KWS credited his long life to years of dedicated protection, strong anti-poaching efforts, habitat preservation, and the support of the local community.
“Though he is gone, his image, offspring, and the lessons drawn from his protection will continue to inspire efforts to safeguard Africa’s wildlife for generations to come,” KWS said.
Tributes have poured in from across Kenya and beyond, celebrating Craig as a true ambassador for Amboseli National Park and Africa’s wildlife heritage.
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