Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and wildlife conservationists are mourning the loss of one of Africa’s most iconic elephants following the death of Craig, one of the continent’s last remaining super tuskers.
The legendary elephant died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, at the age of 54 in Amboseli National Park. Craig was globally renowned for his enormous tusks that nearly swept the ground, a rare genetic trait that placed him among an elite group of elephants known as super tuskers.
Born in January 1972, Craig belonged to the famous CB family and was the offspring of Cassandra, a revered matriarch whose lineage played a critical role in Amboseli’s elephant population. Over the decades, Craig became a symbol of Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage and a living testament to successful conservation efforts in the country.
KWS described Craig as a calm and gentle giant whose presence attracted researchers, conservationists, and tourists from across the world. He survived decades of poaching threats that wiped out many elephants with similar tusks, making his longevity even more remarkable.
His death marks a significant loss not only to Kenya but to global conservation. Authorities say Craig’s legacy will continue to inspire renewed efforts to protect elephants and preserve the fragile ecosystems they depend on for survival.