Kenya Wildlife Service announced the death of Craig early on Saturday January 3 in Amboseli National Park. The famous elephant died peacefully at the age of 54 after decades under watch by rangers and nearby communities.
Craig was known across the world for his massive tusks that swept the ground as he walked. He belonged to a rare group called super tuskers with each tusk weighing more than forty five kilograms.
He was born in January 1972 to Cassandra a powerful matriarch of the CB family. From a young age Craig showed calm strength and a gentle nature that later made him loved by visitors.
Few elephants like Craig remain alive today. Experts say only a handful of super tuskers exist in Africa making his life and survival deeply important to science culture and conservation history.
Despite his size Craig was calm and patient. Tourists often saw him pause quietly as cameras clicked which gave him a special bond with people who traveled from far places to see him.
Kenya Wildlife Service said Craig lived long because of constant protection. Anti poaching patrols habitat care and support from local communities kept him safe from threats that have killed many elephants.
Craig the Elephant that has finally breathed his last. Photo Courtesy: KWS
In 2021 East African Breweries Limited adopted Craig through the Tusker brand. This partnership turned him into a global symbol for wildlife protection and showed how business can support nature.
Male elephants in the wild can live between sixty and seventy years. Many in captivity die much earlier which makes Craig long life a sign of what careful conservation can achieve.
Craig fathered many calves during his lifetime. His strong genes and calm behavior will continue through future generations moving across the plains of Amboseli under the same open skies.
His death has left a deep silence in Amboseli National Park. Rangers conservationists and communities now remember a giant whose life proved that protection patience and respect can save wildlife.
Visitors to Amboseli often followed Craig movements with respect and joy. His presence brought attention to the park and helped support tourism which benefits conservation efforts and local livelihoods for families living near the park area today.
Conservation groups say Craig story will inspire new action to protect elephants. His image will remain in photos films and memories reminding the world why these animals deserve space safety and time for generations to come everywhere.
