Legendary super Tusker elephant Craig to be preserved through Taxidermy — KWS

The Kenya Wildlife Service has announced plans to preserve Craig, the iconic Amboseli National Park super tusker, through taxidermy following his death earlier this month.

In a statement issued on January 13, 2026, KWS said the taxidermy preservation process is currently underway.

Craig died at the age of 54 and was widely recognised for his massive tusks and calm nature.

He was one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, a rare class of elephants whose tusks weigh more than 45 kilogrammes each.

Craig was born in January 1972 to Cassandra, a matriarch of the CB elephant family in Amboseli.

Over his lifetime, he became a global symbol of elephant conservation and a familiar presence to researchers, conservationists and visitors to the park.

KWS said his life reflected decades of sustained protection and monitoring efforts.

The agency said the decision to preserve Craig was based on his “extraordinary ecological, scientific, and cultural significance.”

The taxidermy process involves the careful preservation of his skin and physical features to create a lifelike mount. KWS said the aim is to conserve his physical form for long-term educational, scientific and public exhibition purposes.

Craig also played a key role in sustaining the elephant population. KWS said he fathered numerous calves, ensuring the continuation of his genetic lineage across generations.

His calm and dignified behaviour made him a global ambassador for Amboseli National Park.

“Craig’s life exemplified the success of collective conservation efforts,” KWS Director General Erustus Kanga said.

“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.”

Once completed, the taxidermy mount will be housed at a designated facility for public viewing, education and conservation awareness.

KWS said it will provide further details on the location and timeline for public access at a later date.

The wildlife agency also called on the public to honour Craig’s memory by reflecting on the importance of protecting Kenya’s wildlife.

KWS said Craig’s story stands as a powerful reminder of what sustained conservation efforts can achieve.

KWS is mandated to conserve and manage wildlife for present and future generations. The agency works with local communities, conservation organisations and other stakeholders to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.