A Kenyan elephant believed to have been certainly one of Africa’s largest male tuskers has died of previous age.
The pachyderm, fondly referred to as Craig, died of pure causes on Saturday morning at Amboseli Nationwide Park in southern Kenya, conservationists confirmed.
“Craig had simply turned 54 years previous. He led an extended life and little question fathered many calves,” mentioned the Amboseli Belief for Elephants in its farewell message.
Famed for his lengthy tusks, Craig the elephant was a significant attraction on the park close to the Tanzanian border. In 2021, he was named an envoy for the favored Kenyan lager model Tusker – a reputation additionally used for grownup male elephants with tusks.
The Kenya Wildlife Service described Craig as an “icon” of profitable conservation.
“Craig was one of many final remaining tremendous tuskers in Africa – a uncommon class of bull elephants whose two tusks weigh over 45kg (100lb) every. Fewer than a handful stay at this time, making him a dwelling monument to Africa’s pure heritage.”
The wildlife physique additionally mentioned “Craig was deeply liked for [his] remarkably calm nature”, usually “pausing patiently as guests photographed and filmed him”.
“Due to his many protectors, he died peacefully of pure causes.”
Greater than two million vacationers visited Kenya final 12 months, a lot of them searching for out wildlife within the nation’s world-famous nationwide parks.
Kenya’s tourism sector accounts for 10% of nationwide GDP, officers say.
