Kenyan Elephant Craig, Ambassador of Beer, Dies at Age 54

The Death of an Icon of African Conservation

A Kenyan elephant known as Craig has passed away due to old age at Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near the border with Tanzania. According to conservation specialists, Craig died of natural causes on Saturday morning.

"Craig recently turned 54. He lived a long life and was undoubtedly the father of many calves," stated the Amboseli Elephant Embassy in its farewell message.

Renowned for his long tusks, Craig was a major attraction in the park. In 2021, he was named the brand ambassador for Kenyan beer Tusker, a name also used for adult male elephants with tusks.

The Kenya Wildlife Service described Craig as an "icon of successful conservation." "Craig was one of the last super tuskers remaining in Africa—a rare class of male elephants whose tusks weigh over 45 kg each. Only a few remain today, making him a living monument of African natural heritage."

The organization added that "Craig was deeply loved for his extraordinarily calm nature," often "patiently enduring while visitors photographed and filmed him."

Thanks to his many protectors, he died peacefully of natural causes. In the previous year, over two million tourists visited Kenya, seeking the wildlife of the country's famous national parks. The tourism sector in Kenya represents 10% of the national GDP, according to officials.