At dawn in Amboseli National Park, the plains fell unusually quiet. Craig, the legendary super tusker with ground-sweeping ivory, had passed away. Kenya and the world lost not just an elephant, but a living symbol of conservation success.
Born in January 1972 to the great matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, Craig grew into one of Africa’s rarest natural wonders. Super tuskers are bulls whose tusks weigh over 45 kilograms each. Today, only a handful remain across the continent.
Craig’s long life was extraordinary in an era of intense poaching. His massive tusks made him vulnerable, yet he survived for decades. His presence reflected sustained protection and constant vigilance.
Beyond his size, Craig was known for his calm and dignified nature. He often paused patiently as visitors watched and filmed him. Through countless images and documentaries, he became Amboseli’s global ambassador.
Craig fathered several calves, passing on strong genetics and ensuring his lineage endures. In fragmented landscapes, such continuity is rare. His legacy lives on both biologically and symbolically.
His survival was made possible by decades of work by Kenya Wildlife Service, conservation partners, and local communities. Anti-poaching efforts, monitoring, and habitat protection allowed him to live freely. Craig’s life showed what collective commitment can achieve.
In 2021, Craig was adopted by East African Breweries Limited through the Tusker brand. The partnership reflected his global recognition and cultural significance. By then, Craig was already a national icon.
His death is a reminder of how few elephants are allowed to reach such maturity. Super tuskers are vanishing not by chance, but by human pressure. Craig represented what elephants can become when given time and space.
As Amboseli mourns, it also celebrates a life lived fully and freely. Craig’s footsteps remain etched in the land and memory. His story calls for renewed protection of Africa’s remaining giants.
