Legendary Amboseli super tusker Craig dies at 54

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced that Craig, the legendary super tusker of Amboseli National Park, has died at the age of 54.

KWS noted that Craig, born in January 1972 to the matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, was one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa, a rare class of bull elephants whose tusks weigh over 45 kilograms each.

“Fewer than a handful remain today, making him a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage,” said KWS in a statement.

“He fathered a number of calves, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations.”

The State agency said that the super tusker was admired for his calm nature and often paused patiently as visitors photographed and filmed him.

“Widely documented and admired globally, he became a true ambassador of Amboseli and a symbol of what successful conservation looks like,” added the statement.

In 2021, Craig was adopted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand, reflecting “his worldwide appeal.”

KWS credited his long life to “continuous monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community stewardship,” which “ensured that Craig lived freely and safely - demonstrating what collective commitment to wildlife conservation can achieve.”