At a Glance
- Craig, a 54-year-old super tusker, died Saturday in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
- The elephant was a symbol of Kenya’s success in protecting wildlife from ivory poachers.
- Kenya’s elephant population rose from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025.
- Why it matters: It highlights progress in conservation and the enduring legacy of a beloved wildlife icon.
Craig, the famed super tusker, passed away Saturday in Amboseli National Park, a moment that underscores Kenya’s strides in wildlife protection and the enduring appeal of its iconic elephants.
Craig’s Legacy
Kenya Wildlife Service said Craig died at 54 and was known for his immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm presence.
Kenya Wildlife Service statement
> “Craig, the legendary super tusker famed for its immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, passed on at the age of 54,”
Amboseli Trust for Elephants said he died of natural causes and thanked those who helped him live out his life naturally.
Amboseli Trust for Elephants statement
> “Craig had died of natural causes. We are grateful to everyone who worked to help the animal live out his life naturally,”
Local broadcaster NTV described him as a rare creature, one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa.
NTV
> “One of the last remaining elephants identified as super tuskers in Africa,”
In 2021, Craig was adopted by East African Breweries through its Tusker brand, highlighting collaboration between conservation groups and industry.
Craig was a popular attraction for tourists and a focus for conservationists working to protect elephants from poachers.
What Makes a Super Tusker
The term refers to a bull elephant with tusks weighing over 45 kg each, so long they scrape the ground as he walks.
Tsavo Trust
> “Tusks that size are so long that they scrape the ground as the elephant walks,”
- Huge tusks >45 kg
- Ground-sweeping
- Calm demeanor
Population Trends
Kenya’s elephant population grew from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025, reflecting conservation gains.
| Year | Elephant Population |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 36,280 |
| 2025 | 42,072 |
In Mwea National Reserve, the population surged, forcing relocation of about 100 elephants in 2024.
Kenya Wildlife Service
> “The elephant population grew spectacularly, overwhelming the ecosystem and requiring the relocation of about 100 elephants in 2024,”
The African savanna elephant is the largest land animal; adult males weigh about six tons. Craig fathered several calves, ensuring his bloodline and gentle character live on across generations.
Julia N. Fairmont reported from Kampala, Uganda.
Key Takeaways
- Craig’s death marks a milestone in Kenya’s wildlife protection efforts.
- Elephant numbers are rising, but habitat pressures remain.
- Super tuskers like Craig remain rare and iconic symbols of conservation success.
Craig’s passing reminds us of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and the charismatic appeal that draws visitors to Kenya’s national parks.
