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Legendary super tusker Craig Dies at 54 in Amboseli National Park
03rd January, 2026 11:42 AM
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the death of Craig, one of Africa’s most iconic super tusker elephants, who passed away at the age of 54 in Amboseli National Park.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 3, 2026, KWS described Craig as a “gentle giant and a super tusker known to the world”, noting that his death marks the loss of a true symbol of Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
“Early this morning, Amboseli National Park, Kenya, and indeed the world, lost a true icon,” read the statement.
According to KWS, Craig, famed for his massive, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, was born in January 1972 to the renowned matriarch Cassandra of the CB family
His long life was considered exceptional for a wild elephant, particularly given the threats faced by tuskers across the continent.
“Craig was one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa, a rare class of bull elephants whose two tusks weigh over 45 kilograms (100 lbs) each,” KWS said.
With fewer than a handful of such elephants left today, Craig stood as a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.
Beyond his extraordinary size, Craig was widely admired for his gentle and composed nature. He often appeared unbothered by human presence, calmly pausing as visitors photographed and filmed him.
His unique temperament and striking appearance made him one of the most photographed elephants in the world and a global ambassador for Amboseli National Park.
KWS noted that Craig also fathered several calves, ensuring that his strong bloodline and gentle traits live on in future generations.
In 2021, Craig was formally adopted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand, a recognition of his global appeal and symbolic value.
According to KWS, Craig’s survival into old age was the result of decades of dedicated conservation efforts.
Further, KWS revealed that continuous monitoring, strong anti-poaching measures, habitat protection and close collaboration with conservation partners and local communities allowed him to roam freely and safely throughout his life.
