Craig, considered one of Africa’s most iconic tremendous tusker elephants, has died of pure causes in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, conservation organisations have confirmed.
His loss of life was introduced by the Amboseli Belief for Elephants and the Massive Life Basis, which have monitored Craig for many years as a part of long-term conservation efforts within the area.
Declining well being
Craig died locally space of Olgulului, adjoining to Amboseli Nationwide Park, within the early hours of three January 2026, following a interval of declining well being.
Based on conservation groups, issues about Craig’s well being first emerged in November final 12 months, when false reviews of his loss of life circulated.
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Though these rumours proved incorrect, veterinarians noticed that the ageing bull was experiencing critical digestive issues – a big concern given his superior age.
Whereas Craig later appeared to recuperate, conservationists acknowledged that his remaining time was probably restricted.
Collapsed a number of instances
On the evening earlier than his loss of life, Craig reportedly collapsed a number of instances, managing to face and transfer solely brief distances between episodes.
Massive Life Basis rangers remained with him all through the evening.
At 03:32, Craig lay down and was unable to rise once more. There was nothing additional that could possibly be carried out to help him.
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Preliminary observations counsel that extreme tooth put on was the almost definitely reason for loss of life.
Proof of poorly chewed plant materials present in his dung signifies that Craig was not capable of grind meals correctly.
Elephants progress by means of six units of molars throughout their lifetime, and as soon as the ultimate set turns into worn, feeding turns into more and more tough.
A full autopsy examination remains to be pending.
Final remaining nice tuskers
Born in January 1972 to Cassandra of the well-documented CB elephant household, Craig had simply turned 54 years previous.
He was among the many final remaining nice tuskers of East Africa, carrying tusks that every weighed greater than 100 kilos.
Right this moment, just a few dozen elephants of this stature are believed to stay throughout the area.
Craig was broadly admired for his calm and delicate nature, which made him a favorite amongst photographers, researchers and guests.
He was additionally deeply valued by native communities with whom he shared his vary.
Survived poaching strain
By a long time of sustained safety, Craig survived intense poaching strain, habitat loss and human-elephant battle – dwelling an unusually lengthy life for a bull bearing such large tusks.
Conservationists consider Craig fathered quite a few calves, making him a strong image of the success of community-based conservation within the Larger Amboseli ecosystem.
Together with his passing, solely 9 identified tremendous tuskers stay in Amboseli.
Craig’s loss of life follows the current pure losses of different legendary elephants, together with Tim of Amboseli and Lugard and Broad Satao of Tsavo, highlighting each the rarity of those animals and the urgency of defending people who stay.
Craig’s legacy endures as a reminder of what long-term conservation, group partnerships and vigilance can obtain in safeguarding Africa’s pure heritage.
