AMBOSELI: The African savannah has lost one of its most majestic icons, the Kenyan Tusker beer ambassador.

Craig, one of the continent’s last remaining “super tuskers,” passed away early on January 3, 2026, at the age of 54.

Famed for his massive, ground-sweeping ivory and his remarkably gentle nature, Craig died within the sanctuary of Amboseli National Park, a place he had called home for over half a century.

His death marks the end of an era for a vanishing lineage of elephants whose tusks weigh more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) each.

Born in January 1972 to Cassandra, the matriarch of the renowned “CB” elephant family, Craig’s life was a testament to survival.

He came into the world just as East Africa’s elephant populations were being decimated by a ruthless poaching crisis.

In the 1970s, Kenya was home to over 160,000 elephants; by the end of that decade, fewer than 20,000 remained.

As a “super tusker,” Craig was a prime target for poachers, yet he survived through.

What truly set Craig apart—beyond his tusks that literally brushed the earth, was his calm and approachable temperament.

While large bulls of his size can often be territorial, Craig was known for his stoic patience.

Researchers, filmmakers, and tourists frequently observed him standing peacefully as vehicles approached.

This rare disposition made him more than just a wildlife statistic; he became a global ambassador for Amboseli National Park, embodying a unique blend of raw power and gentle presence.

A Conservation Success Story

Though his passing is a somber moment for the conservation community, experts view Craig’s long life as a monumental success.

To have a super tusker live to the ripe age of 54, die of natural causes, and remain unmolested by poachers is a powerful validation of Kenya’s wildlife protection strategies.

Craig’s legacy lives on in the genes he passed down to the Amboseli herds and in the millions of people he inspired to care for Africa’s dwindling giants.