Kenyans are mourning the death of Craig, one of Africa’s most celebrated “super tusker” elephants, whose long life came to symbolise Kenya’s growing success in protecting wildlife from ivory poaching.
The legendary bull elephant, aged 54, died on Saturday in Amboseli National Park, a renowned conservation area in southern Kenya near the Tanzania border. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed his passing, describing Craig as “the legendary super tusker famed for its immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence.”
According to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, Craig died of natural causes. The conservation group expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in ensuring the elephant lived a full life in the wild, free from poaching and human interference.
Local broadcaster NTV paid tribute to Craig in a special segment, describing him as a rare creature and “one of the last remaining elephants identified as super tuskers in Africa.”
A super tusker is a bull elephant whose tusks weigh more than 45 kilograms each. Such tusks are so long they scrape the ground as the elephant walks, according to the Tsavo Trust, a Kenyan non-profit conservation organisation. Female elephants with exceptionally long tusks are referred to as “iconic cows.”
Craig was a familiar and cherished presence in Amboseli National Park, whose landscape ranges from savannah woodland to open grasslands. He was a major attraction for tourists and a symbol of hope for conservationists battling poaching and habitat loss.
“The elephant was known for his calm nature, often pausing patiently as visitors photographed and filmed him,” KWS said in a statement.
In 2021, Craig’s fame extended beyond conservation circles when he was adopted by East African Breweries through its popular Tusker brand, highlighting growing collaboration between the private sector and wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya.
Kenya’s wildlife protection initiatives have shown notable success in recent years. Official figures indicate that the country’s elephant population has increased from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025. In some areas, such as Mwea National Reserve east of Nairobi, elephant numbers have grown so rapidly that about 100 animals had to be relocated in 2024 to protect the ecosystem.
The African savanna elephant, the world’s largest land animal, can weigh up to six tonnes in adulthood. Craig was not only admired for his size and tusks but also for his legacy.
“Craig fathered a number of calves, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations,” KWS said.
As tributes continue to pour in, Craig’s death marks the end of an era for Amboseli and for Africa’s remaining super tuskers — but also serves as a reminder of what sustained conservation efforts can achieve.
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