By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 13 January 2026 - Specialists from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have begun the painstaking process of preserving the remains of Craig, the world-famous Amboseli super tusker, to ensure his story continues to inspire future generations long after his death.
Using professional taxidermy techniques, experts are carefully treating Craig’s skin and unique physical features to create a lifelike mount that will be used for conservation education, scientific study and public exhibition.
KWS, in a statement sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, says the preserved elephant will offer a rare opportunity for Kenyans and visitors to come face-to-face with one of Africa’s last giants.
Craig died earlier this month aged 54, closing the chapter on one of the most remarkable lives in Kenya’s wildlife history.
Born in January 1972 to Cassandra, the matriarch of the famous CB elephant family, he grew into one of Africa’s few remaining super tuskers – elephants whose tusks weigh more than 45 kilogrammes each.
At a time when illegal poaching and habitat loss have wiped out most large-tusked elephants, Craig became a powerful symbol of what sustained protection and community-based conservation can achieve in Amboseli National Park.
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He was not only a spectacular sight but also a vital contributor to the park’s elephant population, having fathered many calves that continue his genetic line. His gentle temperament and tolerance of humans made him a favourite among researchers, tourists and conservationists alike.
“Craig’s life exemplified the success of collective conservation efforts. 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.
Once the preservation work is completed, Craig’s mount will be displayed at a designated public facility to support education, research and conservation awareness. KWS said further details will be announced later.
As Kenya reflects on the loss of one of its most treasured wildlife icons, conservationists hope Craig’s preserved image will continue to tell a powerful story – not just of an extraordinary elephant, but of the importance of protecting what remains of Africa’s natural heritage.
Inside the Effort to Preserve Craig, Amboseli’s Legendary Super Tusker
KWS begins taxidermy preservation of super tusker Craig
