It was only the 3rd of January 2026, the new year barely unwrapped, when the plains of Amboseli echoed a little quieter. You could feel it in the air: the stillness, the silence, the heartache- a tribute to a hero, fallen. Craig, one of Africa’s largest tuskers, had died of natural causes (with tusks intact) at the age of 54, in Amboseli National Park.
A Rare Giant with a Gentle Spirit
Craig was born in 1972 to a closely studied family of elephants. He belonged to a rare group known as super tuskers– male elephants whose tusks grow so long and heavy they nearly touch the ground. Each of Craig’s tusks weighed over 45 kilograms, a sight that left even seasoned safari-goers speechless.
Yet despite his size, Craig was known for his remarkably gentle nature. Guides often spoke of his tolerance for safari vehicles and people, and how he seemed unbothered by cameras- a delightful treat for travelers and wildlife photographers worldwide.
A Legacy of Conservation
At a time when elephants across the world face relentless pressure from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, Craig’s long life told a different story. Living well into his fifties, he became a living symbol of what sustained conservation efforts can achieve.
Although elephants can live long lives, often between 60 and 70 years, Craig’s survival was not accidental. His life reflected decades of protection by the Kenya Wildlife Service, researchers, conservation partners, and the local communities who live alongside wildlife. Amboseli allowed Craig to roam freely. His legacy is proof that when ecosystems are protected, nature’s giants can still grow old.
As we bid Craig Goodbye
Here at Kendirita, Craig’s passing reminds us of something familiar: that travel should go beyond the destinations and impact the lives that give those places meaning.
For our travelers, Craig’s legacy is an invitation to slow down and look deeper. To see elephants both as breathtaking beauties and as elders of the land. To understand that park fees, responsible tour operators, and mindful travel choices play a role in safeguarding stories like his.
A Legacy that Walks On
Craig may no longer walk the plains of Amboseli, but his presence remains. He fathered several calves who now form part of the elephant population at Amboseli. His tight-knit family lineage also remains, led by his sister Cerise, the matriarch.
He will be remembered in the herds that follow familiar paths, in the memories of those who watched and photographed him along the foothills of Kilimanjaro, and in the quiet commitment of all who will carry on conservation efforts in his name.
Craig joins other legends of Africa who have gone before him: Tim, another iconic tusker of Amboseli who died in 2020, and Scarface, the famed lion of the Mara, who died in 2021. We remember them fondly.
Goodbye for now, Gentle Giant.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa