,

By Kenya Wildlife Service

Early this morning, Amboseli National Park, Kenya – and indeed the world – lost a true icon. Craig, the legendary super tusker famed for its immense, ground-sweeping tusks and calm, dignified presence, passed on at the age of 54.

Born in January 1972 to the great matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, Craig lived a life that few elephants ever do.

Craig was one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa – a rare class of bull elephants whose two tusks weigh over 45 kilograms (100 lbs) each. Fewer than a handful remain today, making him a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.

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

Beyond its extraordinary tusks, Craig was deeply loved for its remarkably calm nature. He appeared to understand its place in the world – often pausing 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.

In 2021, Craig was proudly adopted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) through the Tusker brand, reflecting his worldwide appeal. His long life and survival to such maturity were made possible through decades of dedicated protection by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), working in close collaboration with conservation partners and the local community.

Continuous monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community stewardship ensured that Craig lived freely and safely – demonstrating what collective commitment to wildlife conservation can achieve.