KWS begins taxidermy preservation of Craig, the legendary super tusker

The remains of Craig, the celebrated super tusker elephant of Amboseli National Park, who died at the age of 54, are being preserved, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said on Tuesday.

KWS said the taxidermy preservation process is currently underway.

Craig, famed internationally for his extraordinary tusks and gentle disposition, died on January 3, 2026, at the age of 54.

Born in January 1972 to the prominent matriarch Cassandra of the CB family, he was among the very last surviving super tuskers in Africa.

The super tuskers are a select group of elephants distinguished by tusks weighing more than 45 kilogrammes (100 pounds) each.

With fewer than a handful remaining on the continent, Craig embodied a powerful symbol of Africa’s irreplaceable natural heritage and the positive outcomes of sustained conservation work.

In acknowledgement of his profound ecological, scientific, and cultural importance, KWS has launched a professional taxidermy process.

Taxidermy will allow the preservation of Craig's physical form with great care for future educational, research, and public display purposes.

Experts are meticulously treating his skin and unique characteristics to craft a lifelike mount.

This will allow subsequent generations to encounter and learn about this exceptional elephant firsthand.

During his lifetime, Craig fathered numerous calves, helping to secure the continuation of his genetic heritage through multiple generations.

Admired equally for his calm and dignified behaviour, he emerged as a global ambassador for Amboseli National Park, demonstrating the impact of persistent protection efforts, scientific monitoring, and strong partnerships between KWS and its conservation collaborators.

KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said 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 Prof Kanga.

KWS has further stated that when the preservation work is finished, Craig’s taxidermy mount will be installed at a designated facility where members of the public can view it, engage in educational activities, and deepen their understanding of conservation issues.

KWS has indicated that further announcements concerning the precise location and timetable for public access will be made in due course.

The Agency has called on the public to pay tribute to Craig’s memory and to reflect on the critical importance of protecting Kenya’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes for the sake of future generations.