Craig, one of Africa’s most iconic super tusker elephants, has died of natural causes in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, conservation organisations have confirmed.

His death was announced by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants and the Big Life Foundation, which have monitored Craig for decades as part of long-term conservation efforts in the region.

Declining health

Craig died in the community area of Olgulului, adjacent to Amboseli National Park, in the early hours of 3 January 2026, following a period of declining health.

According to conservation teams, concerns about Craig’s health first emerged in November last year, when false reports of his death circulated.

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Although those rumours proved incorrect, veterinarians observed that the ageing bull was experiencing serious digestive problems – a significant concern given his advanced age.

While Craig later appeared to recover, conservationists acknowledged that his remaining time was likely limited.

Collapsed several times

On the night before his death, Craig reportedly collapsed several times, managing to stand and move only short distances between episodes.

Big Life Foundation rangers remained with him throughout the night.

At 03:32, Craig lay down and was unable to rise again. There was nothing further that could be done to assist him.

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Preliminary observations suggest that severe tooth wear was the most likely cause of death.

Evidence of poorly chewed plant material found in his dung indicates that Craig was no longer able to grind food properly.

Elephants progress through six sets of molars during their lifetime, and once the final set becomes worn, feeding becomes increasingly difficult.

A full post-mortem examination is still pending.

Last remaining great tuskers

Born in January 1972 to Cassandra of the well-documented CB elephant family, Craig had just turned 54 years old.

He was among the last remaining great tuskers of East Africa, carrying tusks that each weighed more than 100 pounds.

Today, only a few dozen elephants of this stature are believed to remain across the region.

Craig was widely admired for his calm and gentle nature, which made him a favourite among photographers, researchers and visitors.

He was also deeply valued by local communities with whom he shared his range.

Survived poaching pressure

Through decades of sustained protection, Craig survived intense poaching pressure, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict – living an unusually long life for a bull bearing such massive tusks.

Conservationists believe Craig fathered numerous calves, making him a powerful symbol of the success of community-based conservation in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem.

With his passing, only nine known super tuskers remain in Amboseli.

Craig’s death follows the recent natural losses of other legendary elephants, including Tim of Amboseli and Lugard and Wide Satao of Tsavo, highlighting both the rarity of these animals and the urgency of protecting those that remain.

Craig’s legacy endures as a reminder of what long-term conservation, community partnerships and vigilance can achieve in safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.