Craig, Kenya’s Legendary Elephant and Tusker Brand Icon, Dies at 54

Kenya’s famed elephant Craig, one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, has died at the age of 54 after a short illness, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Craig was born in January 1972 to Cassandra, a matriarch of the CB family, and spent his entire life in Amboseli National Park. He became one of the park’s most recognisable elephants, known for his massive tusks, each weighing more than 45 kilograms, which often touched the ground as he walked.

His size and calm temperament set him apart. Craig was frequently seen standing quietly as tourists and researchers observed and photographed him. Wildlife officials said his behaviour made him an important symbol of elephant conservation in Kenya.

The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed that Craig fathered many calves during his lifetime, contributing significantly to the genetic strength of Amboseli’s elephant population. In a statement, the agency described him as both physically exceptional and unusually gentle, calling him an ambassador for the park and a sign of long-term conservation success.

Craig’s profile extended beyond conservation circles. In 2021, East African Breweries Limited featured him as the face of its Tusker brand, reflecting his broad public recognition and the increasing role of corporate support in wildlife conservation.

Park officials said Craig had been receiving veterinary care for about two weeks before his death. He was being treated for acute constipation and complications linked to old age. Assistant Director Paul Wambi said Craig was closely monitored throughout his treatment. He added that discussions were under way to preserve Craig’s remains at the National Museums of Kenya, similar to the preservation of another famous tusker, Tim, who died in 2020.

Local conservation leaders described Craig as a familiar presence, particularly near the Kimana gates of Amboseli National Park. Samuel Kaanki, chairperson of the Amboseli Land Owners Conservancy Association, said Craig was well known for his calm nature and noted that his offspring would continue his legacy within the ecosystem.

Craig is often compared to Tim, another celebrated tusker who died at the age of 50. Both elephants were widely recognised for their large tusks and steady behaviour, and both became symbols of resilience in an area historically affected by poaching.

Elephants in the wild can live between 60 and 70 years, depending on environmental conditions. Amboseli National Park is home to an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 elephants and is one of the most closely studied elephant habitats in Africa. Research by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants has documented generations of elephants, including some of the continent’s largest tuskers.Kenya’s famed elephant Craig, one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, has died at the age of 54 after a short illness, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Craig was born in January 1972 to Cassandra, a matriarch of the CB family, and spent his entire life in Amboseli National Park. He became one of the park’s most recognisable elephants, known for his massive tusks, each weighing more than 45 kilograms, which often touched the ground as he walked.

His size and calm temperament set him apart. Craig was frequently seen standing quietly as tourists and researchers observed and photographed him. Wildlife officials said his behaviour made him an important symbol of elephant conservation in Kenya.

The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed that Craig fathered many calves during his lifetime, contributing significantly to the genetic strength of Amboseli’s elephant population. In a statement, the agency described him as both physically exceptional and unusually gentle, calling him an ambassador for the park and a sign of long-term conservation success.

Craig’s profile extended beyond conservation circles. In 2021, East African Breweries Limited featured him as the face of its Tusker brand, reflecting his broad public recognition and the increasing role of corporate support in wildlife conservation.

Park officials said Craig had been receiving veterinary care for about two weeks before his death. He was being treated for acute constipation and complications linked to old age. Assistant Director Paul Wambi said Craig was closely monitored throughout his treatment. He added that discussions were under way to preserve Craig’s remains at the National Museums of Kenya, similar to the preservation of another famous tusker, Tim, who died in 2020.

Local conservation leaders described Craig as a familiar presence, particularly near the Kimana gates of Amboseli National Park. Samuel Kaanki, chairperson of the Amboseli Land Owners Conservancy Association, said Craig was well known for his calm nature and noted that his offspring would continue his legacy within the ecosystem.

Craig is often compared to Tim, another celebrated tusker who died at the age of 50. Both elephants were widely recognised for their large tusks and steady behaviour, and both became symbols of resilience in an area historically affected by poaching.

Elephants in the wild can live between 60 and 70 years, depending on environmental conditions. Amboseli National Park is home to an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 elephants and is one of the most closely studied elephant habitats in Africa. Research by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants has documented generations of elephants, including some of the continent’s largest tuskers.