It's a sad moment for Kenya’s tourism industry and Wildlife enthusiasts across the world. Amboseli’s most famous elephant, Craig, has died at the age of 54, bringing to an end the life of one of Africa’s most photographed and closely protected elephants.
Craig, also known as a 'Super Tusker', was revered globally for carrying some of the largest tusks ever recorded and for symbolising decades of successful wildlife conservation in Kenya.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) paid tribute to the gentle giant, describing Craig as a “Super Tusker known to the world” and a “true icon”.
Born in January 1972 to the matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, Craig lived a remarkable life that few elephants experience. KWS said he was among the last remaining super tuskers in Africa, a rare class of bull elephants whose two tusks each weigh over 45 kilograms.
Craig’s tusks, estimated at over 50 kilograms each, made him a living symbol of Africa’s natural heritage.
“Fewer than a handful remain today, making him a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage. He fathered several calves, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations,” the Service said.
KWS added that he was admired for his calm and patient nature, often pausing as visitors photographed and filmed him, making him one of the most photographed elephants in the world.
In 2021, he was adopted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand, reflecting his global appeal.
“His long life and survival to such maturity were made possible through decades of dedicated protection by Kenya Wildlife Service, working closely with conservation partners and the local community,” KWS said.
“Continuous monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community stewardship ensured that Craig lived freely and safely, demonstrating what collective commitment to wildlife conservation can achieve.”
As a super tusker, Craig’s tusks surpassed the 45-kilogram benchmark, making him one of approximately only 20 remaining super tuskers in Africa.
Age had begun to show on him, with worn teeth and sunken temples reflecting the natural progression of time.
Craig recently gained attention in Europe after new photographs taken by professional photographer Clint Ralph highlighted his massive size and serene presence.
Rangers noted Craig’s calm temperament allowed Ralph to capture moments of him dusting himself off to cool down.
Craig was also closely guarded by KWS rangers and Maasai warriors due to the value of his tusks, which made him a target for poachers. He was a cousin to the late Tim, another famed super tusker whose tusks nearly reached the ground and each weighed up to 45 kilograms.
Tim, who passed in 2020, survived numerous dangers, including getting stuck in a swamp in 2018, and was known for his intelligence and unusual social preferences, often enjoying the company of matriarchal herds.
After Tim’s death, the Ministry of Tourism allocated Sh46.5 million to erect a statue in his honour at Amboseli National Park. The then Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the monument would celebrate the giant animal as a national treasure.
Craig, leaves an indelible mark not only on Kenya's but the global wildlife footprint. Craig sired several calves, passing on both his formidable lineage and his gentle temperament to future generations.
As tributes pour in from across Kenya and beyond, Craig’s legacy stands as powerful proof of what sustained conservation can achieve.
