Rare “Super Tusker” Elephant with Giant Tusks in Kenya Dies of Natural Causes at 54

Super Tusker Elephant Craig
Each Tusk Weighs 45kg and Reaches the Ground

In East Africa’s Kenya, the death of a rare “Super Tusker” elephant with enormous tusks has left locals mourning its passing.

Craig, the 54-year-old Kenyan Super Tusker elephant, passed away of natural causes on the 3rd (local time). Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), AP Yonhap News Agency

According to the Associated Press, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced in a statement on the 3rd (local time) that “Craig, the Super Tusker elephant who became a legend for his massive tusks that nearly touched the ground and his calm, majestic demeanor, has passed away at the age of 54.” The elephant conservation group Amboseli Trust for Elephants stated that Craig died of natural causes, adding, “We thank everyone who helped ensure Craig could live out his life naturally.”

Lived Wild and Free in Amboseli National Park

Craig resided in Amboseli National Park, a wildlife sanctuary on the southern border of Kenya near Tanzania. Having spent many years in the wild, this elephant became a symbol of Kenya’s successful efforts to protect elephants from ivory poaching. He was also a beloved attraction for tourists visiting the park. The Kenya Wildlife Service noted that Craig, known for his gentle temperament, would often calmly wait even as visitors took photos or filmed videos of him.

On the 3rd (local time), Craig, the 54-year-old Kenyan Super Tusker elephant, passed away of natural causes. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), AP Yonhap News.

The Associated Press also reported that in 2021, Craig became the official sponsored elephant of East African Breweries’ popular beer “Tusker.” Kenyan broadcaster NTC described him as “one of the last remaining Super Tusker elephants in Africa,” and reported that citizens continue to mourn his death.

Super Tuskers: Less Than 1% of African Elephants

Super Tusker elephants are African elephants with exceptionally long tusks that reach the ground, and it is estimated that only about 20 remain in the wild today. These massive tusks, typically seen in males over the age of 40, can each weigh over 45 kilograms and often extend all the way to the ground. Super Tuskers are extremely rare, making up less than 1% of all African elephants. In the past, many Super Tuskers fell victim to poaching due to the value of their ivory. The average lifespan of an African elephant is about 50 to 60 years, so a Super Tusker surviving beyond 50 is considered to have lived a long life.