Farewell to Craig: The Legendary Super Tusker of Amboseli
On 3 January 2026, conservationists, wildlife lovers and communities across Kenya and beyond mourned the passing of Craig — one of the last great “super tusker” elephants alive today. His death at age 54 marks the end of a remarkable life and offers both a moment of reflection and celebration in the fight for elephant conservation.
A Giant Among Elephants
Craig was not just any elephant — he was a super tusker, a rare class of African bull elephant distinguished by exceptionally massive tusks. Each of his tusks weighed more than 45 kg (100 lb) and swept the ground as he walked, a visual symbol of the natural heritage that once pervaded East Africa. Only a few dozen elephants like Craig are believed to remain across the continent, making his survival into old age a rare and treasured achievement.
Born in January 1972, Craig spent his life roaming the savannah and woodlands of Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya — a landscape etched with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, and a place synonymous with elephant research and ecotourism.
A Life Lived Freely
What made Craig truly special wasn’t just his size — it was his temperament. Park rangers, researchers, and visitors often described him as calm, dignified, and patient, quietly standing as people photographed him and capturing hearts around the world. His gentle nature made him a favourite among safari guides and a quiet ambassador for Kenya’s wildlife.
Craig’s life was a testament to conservation success. Against a backdrop of severe threats like ivory poaching, habitat loss and human–elephant conflict, Craig survived into old age — something few super tuskers have managed. His life symbolised how sustained protection, community stewardship, and anti-poaching efforts can make a real difference.
Legacy Beyond Death
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and conservation partners, Craig died of natural causes — a peaceful passing that many feared would never be possible given the intense poaching pressures of recent decades.
Craig also played a direct role in the future of his species. Over his long life, he fathered multiple calves, ensuring that his strong genetics and calm disposition continue in the next generations of Amboseli elephants.
His prominence even extended into cultural and commercial awareness: in 2021, Craig was adopted by East African Breweries through its Tusker beer brand, helping connect global audiences to the realities of wildlife conservation.
A Symbol of Hope and Responsibility
For many, Craig will remain more than a story — he will remain a symbol. A symbol of what’s possible when people, governments, and organisations work together to protect wildlife. A symbol of the elephants’ place in Africa’s ecosystems and stories. And a symbol of both the fragility and resilience of nature.
As parks and communities continue their work, Craig’s legacy will live on — not just in his descendants, but in the eyes of those who saw him on the plains beneath Kilimanjaro, and in all of us who fight for a world where elephants can thrive free from the threat of extinction.
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