KENYA is mourning the loss of a legendary elephant believed to be one of Africa’s largest.
The beloved creature – known as Craig – passed away peacefully on Saturday morning at Amboseli National Park.
He had roamed the park’s savannas and wetlands for more than five decades.
“Craig had just turned 54 years old,” said the Amboseli Trust for Elephants.
“He led a long life and no doubt fathered many calves.”
His age and enormous stature made him a rare and treasured symbol of the African wilderness.
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Craig was famed for his extraordinarily long tusks, which made him one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
In 2021, he became an ambassador for the popular Kenyan lager brand Tusker.
The name “tusker” also fittingly describes adult male elephants with large tusks.
Each of his tusks weighed over 45 kilograms (100 pounds) and nearly reached the ground.
These impressive tusks could be seen from miles across Amboseli’s landscapes.
The Kenya Wildlife Service hailed Craig as an “icon” of successful conservation.
He was described as “one of the last remaining super tuskers in Africa – a rare class of bull elephants”.
“Fewer than a handful remain today, making him a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage,” the Wildlife Service added.
Beyond his size and tusks, Craig was cherished for his gentle and calm temperament.
Visitors often watched as he paused patiently while they photographed or filmed him.
“Craig was deeply loved for [his] remarkably calm nature,” the Wildlife Service added.
His long life was made possible by the dedicated protection of Amboseli’s park authorities.
The local community also played a vital role in keeping him safe.
Tourism, which welcomed more than two million visitors to Kenya last year, benefited greatly from wildlife icons like Craig.
These animals help contribute up to 10 percent of the country’s GDP.
Craig’s legacy will endure as a symbol of Africa’s natural heritage and conservation.