We have sad news to start the year. Craig, Amboseli’s largest tusker, has died of suspected natural causes at 54 years old.

Some of you may have seen rumors of his death last November. Although untrue, it was clear that he was having digestive issues that were very serious for an elephant of his advanced age.

He recovered, but we knew we likely had limited time left with him. Yesterday, he was in trouble again, collapsing intermittently, then standing and moving short distances. Big Life’s rangers stayed with him through the night but at 03:32 AM, he lay down and didn’t get up again. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done.

Poorly chewed material in his dung showed that he was not grinding his food properly, which is evidence of worn-down teeth. Elephants get six sets of molars through their lives, and once their final set starts to wear, their lifespan is limited. We are waiting for post-mortem details, but this is very likely what led to Craig’s death.

Craig was an icon. He was extremely calm around people and likely one of the most photographed elephants in all of Africa. He lived peacefully alongside the communities that he shared space with. Elephants with tusks as big as his have becoming increasingly rare, targeted by poachers and trophy hunters, and Craig was one of the largest of those remaining.

Craig was a huge presence in Amboseli and will be sorely missed. But he lived a long life and died a natural death, and no creature – human or elephant – could ask for much more.