Craig, the bull elephant famous all around the world for his large tusks, has died at the age of 54 in Amboseli National Park, the Kenya Wildlife Service reported on Saturday. Early this morning, Amboseli National Park, Kenya and indeed the world, lost a true icon. Craig, the legendary super tusker famed for his immense, ground sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, passed on at the age of 54, the service said in a post shared on X.
The bull elephant had been one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa, a rare class of bull elephants whose two tusks weigh over 45 kilogrammes each, according to the wildlife service. This rare status placed Craig among a very small group, as only a handful of such elephants are known to remain. His size, age and distinctive tusks made him instantly recognisable and deeply respected within Amboseli National Park and beyond.
The Kenya Wildlife Service said that Craig had fathered a number of calves during his lifetime, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on across generations. Through this legacy, his presence will continue to be felt long after his passing, reflected in the elephants that follow.
Craig was also known for his remarkably calm nature. The service noted that he would often pause patiently for visitors, allowing them time to film and observe him without fear. His composed behaviour, combined with his imposing appearance, made encounters with him memorable for many.
Super tuskers are considered endangered, with only a few remaining in East Africa, as poachers frequently target elephants with large tusks. Craig became known beyond Kenya after being adopted by a brewery in 2021, a move aimed at drawing attention to conservation programmes designed to protect elephants and highlight the urgent need for their preservation. His death at 54 marks the loss of one of Africa’s last great super tuskers. Remembered as an icon of Amboseli National Park, Craig’s life, presence and legacy continue to symbolise both the beauty of elephants and the importance of conservation efforts. — dpa
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