Kenya is in mourning following the death of Craig, a legendary 'super tusker' elephant who became a national icon of successful wildlife conservation. The bull elephant, aged 54, passed away on Saturday 3 January 2026 in Amboseli National Park.
A Gentle Giant and Conservation Symbol
The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed the sad news, paying tribute to Craig's 'calm, dignified presence' and his immense, ground-sweeping tusks. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants stated he died of natural causes, expressing thanks that he was able to 'live out his life naturally' in the wild.
Craig was a major attraction in Amboseli, a protected area ranging from savannah woodland to open grasslands near the Tanzania border. He was known for his patience, often stopping to allow tourists to photograph and film him. His prominence was such that in 2021, he was adopted by the beer maker East African Breweries through its popular Tusker brand.
What Defines a 'Super Tusker'?
The term 'super tusker' is reserved for a rare group of bull elephants whose tusks each weigh over 45 kilograms. According to the Tsavo Trust, tusks of this size are so long they scrape the ground as the elephant walks. Females with similar impressive tusks are known as 'iconic cows'.
Local broadcaster NTV highlighted Craig's significance, noting he was 'one of the last remaining elephants identified as super tuskers in Africa'. His death represents a profound loss for the continent's genetic heritage, though the Kenya Wildlife Service noted he 'fathered a number of calves, ensuring that his powerful bloodline and gentle character live on'.
A Broader Success Story for Kenyan Wildlife
Craig's life and peaceful death underscore a positive trend for elephants in Kenya. The latest official figures show the country's elephant population has grown from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025.
This growth, a testament to anti-poaching efforts, has been so successful in some areas that it has presented new challenges. In the Mwea National Reserve east of Nairobi, the population grew so much it overwhelmed the local ecosystem, requiring the relocation of about 100 elephants in 2024.
Kenya's national parks, home to a vast array of wildlife including the African savanna elephant – the world's largest land animal – continue to attract millions of visitors annually, cementing the country's status as a global tourism hotspot. The story of Craig, the serene super tusker, remains a powerful chapter in that ongoing narrative of conservation and coexistence.
