Kenya’s conservation community mourns the loss of Craig, one of Africa’s most magnificent elephant icons who passed away peacefully at Amboseli National Park on Saturday. The legendary bull elephant, renowned for his extraordinary tusks and remarkably calm demeanor, reached the impressive age of 54 before succumbing to natural causes.
Conservationists from the Amboseli Trust for Elephants confirmed the gentle giant’s passing, noting that Craig had recently celebrated his 54th birthday. The organization’s farewell tribute highlighted his long, productive life and likely legacy as father to numerous calves within the Amboseli ecosystem.
Craig belonged to an exceptionally rare class of pachyderms known as ‘super tuskers’—bull elephants whose tusks each exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds) in weight. Wildlife experts estimate fewer than a handful of these magnificent specimens remain across the African continent today, making Craig’s presence a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.
Beyond his conservation significance, Craig achieved celebrity status as a major tourist attraction in the park bordering Tanzania. His fame transcended wildlife circles when he was named brand ambassador for Kenya’s popular Tusker lager in 2021—a fitting tribute given the brand’s elephantine namesake.
The Kenya Wildlife Service commemorated Craig as an icon of successful conservation efforts, noting his remarkably patient nature with visitors who frequently photographed and filmed him. Officials emphasized that his peaceful passing resulted from dedicated protection efforts that allowed him to live out his full natural lifespan.
Craig’s legacy coincides with Kenya’s thriving tourism industry, which attracted over two million visitors last year seeking wildlife experiences in the country’s world-renowned national parks. The sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, accounting for approximately 10% of the national GDP according to official statistics.