Beer ambassador Craig the Elephant dies aged 54

A Kenyan elephant believed to have one of the largest male tusks in Africa has died of old age.

Conservationists confirmed that the pachyderm, affectionately known as Craig, died of natural causes in Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya on Saturday morning.

The Amboseli Elephant Trust said in its farewell message: “Craig had just turned 54. He lived a long life and no doubt gave birth to many calves.”

Known for his tusks, Craig the Elephant is the main attraction of the park near the Tanzanian border. In 2021, he was appointed ambassador for the popular Kenyan beer brand Tusker – a name also used for adult male elephants with tusks.

The Kenya Wildlife Service described Craig as an “icon” of successful conservation.

“Craig is one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, a rare male elephant whose two tusks each weigh more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Fewer than a few remain today, making him a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.”

The wildlife agency also said that “Craig was loved for his unusually calm nature”often “patiently stopping while tourists take photos and videos of him.”

“Thanks to his many protectors, he was able to pass away naturally and peacefully.”

More than 2 million tourists visited Kenya last year, many of them searching for wildlife in the country’s world-famous national parks.

Kenya’s tourism industry accounts for 10% of the country’s GDPofficials said.