KWS to Preserve Remains of Amboseli Super Tusker Craig

Kenya will preserve the remains of Craig, the renowned Amboseli super tusker, through taxidermy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed.

Craig, who died last year aged 54, was one of Kenya’s most recognisable elephants and a rare example of a “super tusker”, a term used for elephants with tusks weighing more than 45 kilograms each. The preservation project aims to maintain his physical features for public display and educational use.

Born in 1972 to Cassandra, the matriarch of the CB elephant family, Craig spent his life in Amboseli National Park. He became known not only for his size but also for his calm temperament, which allowed researchers to observe him closely over many years. As a result, he became one of the most studied elephants in the country.

According to KWS, the taxidermy process involves carefully treating and conserving Craig’s skin and distinctive characteristics to create a lifelike mount. The final exhibit is expected to support scientific research and public education. Officials have not yet announced where the display will be located, but it will be accessible to the public once completed.

“Through taxidermy preservation, we are ensuring that his legacy endures beyond his lifetime, offering future generations a tangible connection to Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage,” said KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga in a statement.

Craig also played an important role in sustaining the local elephant population. He fathered multiple calves during his lifetime, contributing to genetic diversity within the Amboseli ecosystem. His descendants remain part of the park’s elephant herds

KWS said the decision to preserve Craig reflects the importance of well-known animals in conservation education. 

Such figures often help the public better understand wildlife protection and the pressures facing endangered species.