One of the major national parks in Kenya, Amboseli, has lost one of its legendary residents in Craig, who was the super tusker known all over the world with his giant tusks.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that Craig died peacefully early Saturday, January 3rd, at the ripe age of 54. Craig’s death represents a very emotional time for conservationists and the crowds of onlookers who came all the way from across the world just to get a peep of the gentle giant.
Craig was born to Cassandra, who is a gajar or matriarch of the CB elephant family, in January 1972. Over the years, Craig has turned up to be one among the rarest breeds found on the face of the earth a super tusker. Super tusker refers to a bull elephant bearing tusks measuring more than 45 kilograms each. There are only a few like Craig left in the wild.
Despite his towering figure, Craig was known to be a very placid andire person. He became a favorite with tourists and photographers, who would pose before him with cameras snapping, almost as if he knew why they were there.
“Craig was one of the last few super tuskers remaining in Africa,” said the KWS in the characterization of the rare animal in the Amboseli ecosystem.
Apart from being famous, Craig was equally important in the elephant population of the park. He was able to sire many offspring during his lifetime, thus transferring both his good genes and his calm temperament to his offspring.
In 2021, his reach extended even broader as East African Breweries Limited (EABL) adopted the Tusker brand and made him one of the conservation ambassadors to highlight the significance of elephant and habitats protection.
KWS attributed Craig’s longevity to his many years of conserving and protecting, as well as working well with local communities who live near Amboseli.
“The fact that he has achieved such advanced age has been possible only through years of dedicated protection.”
His passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter in the annals of Amboseli, leaving a conspicuous gap in the landscape. For most, Craig was more than the magnificent elephant; he was a symbol of the power of conservation on the African continent.