54-year-old Kenyan elephant Craig just died but why are conservationists celebrating it?

Craig, the giant Kenyan elephant, died on January 3 at the age of 54. The tragic loss, however, didn't bring grief; in fact, conservationists are busy celebrating his death. But why? Craig, the tourist's favorite at the Amboseli National Park, reportedly died from natural causes, unlike many killed by illegal poaching. "It is rare for an elephant with ivory this large to die of natural causes in the wild," Adventure Safari Africa, an Arusha-based tourism outfit, told The Times.

He was already famous for his exquisite appearance, enormous tusks, and gentle demeanor. Now, the elephant's longevity is being honored as a testament to the effectiveness of strict anti-poaching measures. Craig, a male "super tusker," was believed to be among the last creatures in Africa who had ivory tusks weighing more than 45 kg each. He was also one of the most photographed elephants in the world. "He [Craig] appeared to understand his place in the world — often pausing patiently as visitors photographed and filmed him. Widely documented and admired globally, he became a true ambassador of Amboseli and a symbol of what successful conservation looks like," the Kenya Wildlife Service said, remembering the gentle giant. The elephant also enjoyed a celebrity status, as his popularity amongst tourists eventually made him the brand ambassador of the Kenyan beer brand "Tusker." As the news of Craig's death surfaced online, condolences, especially from the wildlife photographers, poured in, celebrating his symbolic importance in conservation. 

Federico Veronesi, an Italian wildlife photographer known for his book "Walk the Earth," which focuses on vanishing "super tusker" African elephants, also shared a heartbreaking post following Craig’s demise. He described the elephant's passing as a terrible loss, remembering Craig as the most "gentle and trusting tusker ever." Veronesi said, "He died in peace, looked after by rangers and the Maasai community he shared the land with. It will be difficult to fill the void he leaves behind." The wildlife photographer also praised the KWS, Amboseli Trust, and Big Life Foundation for guarding the elephant and providing him with the life he deserved. "While he roams again on the eternal plains in the sky with his friend Tim, we have to make sure we keep on protecting our heaven here on earth," Veronesi added. Meanwhile, the KWS is yet to decide what to do with Craig’s remains; previously, they had preserved the remains of elephant Tim, who died in 2020, at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. Craig might have left the earthly life for his heavenly abode, but his legacy will continue to echo through the jungles of the world.

Every year, poachers kill nearly 20,000 elephants for their tusks, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a conservation organization. These tusks, they explained, are then smuggled and sold illegally in the global market to be eventually traded as ivory trinkets. The illicit elephant tusks trade is driven by high demand in parts of Asia, WWF said. Humane World for Animals, in its January 2025 report, mentioned that there are fewer than 10 super tusker elephants in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, with fewer than 50 across the entire African continent. With Craig's demise, the number has gone down. But thankfully, he was not shot dead by some cruel, inhuman poacher but died naturally after living a fulfilling life at the Amboseli National Park. 

Just like Veronesi, common men are equally affected by Craig's demise, as evident in the comment section of his post. For instance, @tessaschack commented, "Really saddened by the news of his passing. He was a legend, but I am happy to know that he died peacefully and was always protected. Magnificent photo of Craig and your written tribute." Similarly, @antoniakennedy9225 shared, "This is so sad. I am thankful for all who protected him and those who photographed him. I am crying for Craig, but I know he was loved."

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