We made a short video message to wish you a very happy and peaceful holiday. 2015 was a great year and we look forward to a big year ahead for lions and local communities in northern Kenya. Thank you for all your support!
Double Your Impact for Lions! Matching Gift Opportunity
A Matching Gift Will Double the Impact of Your Donation for Lions
Every single day this year, our team was in the field working to conserve lions in northern Kenya. It was a year of challenges and also a time of growth for our programmes. We are so fortunate to have an incredibly strong team and close partners who work together with local communities to stop the alarming decline of lions.
To ensure a future for Kenya’s lions, one of our most generous donors has offered $20,000 in matching funds to double the impact of your gift! When you donate by December 31, 2015, every $1 you give unlocks an additional dollar in vital funding for conservation.
Donate today and have your gift matched
All of us at Ewaso Lions are confident more than ever that our approach to conservation not only protects lions and other large carnivores, but is also key to helping local communities willingly embrace wildlife conservation in northern Kenya.
We are so grateful for the part you play in conservation. Your gift makes the difference between conserving Africa’s most iconic big cat and seeing them disappear.
With best wishes,
The Ewaso Lions Team
Your donation goes directly to our lion conservation efforts in Kenya.
Jeneria Wins Wildlife Warrior Award from Houston Zoo
Jeneria won Houston Zoo’s Wildlife Warrior award for his work protecting Kenya’s lions.
The Houston Zoo has awarded our very own Jeneria Lekilelei with their Wildlife Warrior Award. The Award recognizes exceptional local employees from wildlife conservation programmes and provides an experience that will increase their abilities/knowledge.
Thanks to the Houston Zoo, Jeneria is attending a conservation management and leadership training course run by the Durrell Conservation Academy. The course, based in Cambridge, is designed to strengthen the management and leadership skills of conservation professionals working in challenging conditions – which makes Jeneria the perfect candidate.
“The Houston Zoo has given me a very big opportunity thanks to their award,” said Jeneria. “The Durrell course will teach me skills I will use with my warriors in Kenya to keep lions, people, and livestock safe.”
The skills and knowledge he will gain from this course will not only impact his professional development, but also enable him and his team to address human-carnivore conflict issues more effectively. Ultimately, this will strengthen Ewaso Lions’ mission of securing a future for lions by mitigating conflict and preventing retaliatory attacks on lions and other large carnivores.
This is one of two awards Jeneria has received – together with the Conservation Hero Award from the Disney Conservation Fund. We at Ewaso Lions congratulate Jeneria.
Thank you, friends at Houston Zoo!
Jeneria Receives Disney Conservation Hero Award
Jeneria received the Disney Hero Conservation Award for his work with Samburu warriors to conserve lions. Photo by Rachel Kramer.
We are extremely happy to announce that Jeneria has been honored with a Conservation Hero Award from the Disney Conservation Fund. The award recognizes local citizens for their efforts to protect wildlife and wild places and engage communities in conservation. Recipients from around the world were nominated by nonprofit environmental organizations, and each honoree and his or her nominating organization will share a $1,500 award from the fund.
“This is a very big honor for me,” said Jeneria upon hearing the news. “I accept this award on behalf of my warriors, who are the most dedicated lion conservationists. I have hope for Kenya’s lions now.”
The Disney Conservation Fund focuses on protecting wildlife and connecting kids and families with nature. Since 2004, Disney has honored more than 100 Conservation Heroes from around the world for their extraordinary conservation efforts.
As a livestock herder and Samburu warrior in Kenya, Jeneria Lekilelei realized at a young age that he needed the help of other warriors to protect threatened lion populations surrounding his community. Jeneria created Warrior Watch to train others to monitor lion populations and to advocate for peaceful coexistence between people and carnivores. In addition to supervising 17 warriors who monitor an area of more than 1,700 square kilometers, Jeneria also manages community programmes to engage women and children in conservation efforts, and spends countless hours monitoring lions in the field.
For information on Disney’s commitment to conserve nature and a complete list of 2015 Conservation Hero Award recipients, visit Disney.com/Conservation.
Women in Conservation: Expanding the Mama Simba Program
Since launching our Mama Simba program in 2013, we have engaged 300 Samburu women in conservation. The core Mama Simba group consists of 10 women, who work with other women within their communities, thereby spreading conservation messaging through peer-to-peer sharing. The women participate in conservation training and litter removal campaigns, and report on lion sightings and conflict issues. In exchange, we set up weekly schooling to provide educational opportunities they never had before, and also offer training in new beaded art craft, so they can diversify their income.
The Mama Simba women with Shivani in the classroom where they are learning to read and write. Photo © Ewaso Lions
Now, in response to strong positive feedback by participating women, we are expanding the Mama Simba program into new areas and offering new opportunities for the women to get involved in conservation.
Working in Four New Areas
In 2016, we will introduce the Mama Simba program into four new locations in Westgate Conservancy in northern Kenya. Women in these locations have already expressed an interest in joining the program. We are conducting questionnaire surveys with women in each location to provide a baseline against which we will be able to evaluate the program’s effectiveness over time. We also hope to set up an additional school for women from these four new locations.
More Targeted Education and Training
The recent feedback survey highlighted that the education initiative was highly valued by the women. However, the results also indicated that improvements should be made to ensure the women continue to make progress and that teaching effectively addresses the women’s differing ability levels.
The feedback survey also found that all the women would be interested in receiving more conservation training. Moving forward, Ewaso Lions will lead sessions covering themes such as: managing conflict situations, livestock husbandry practices, identification of carnivores from tracks and signs, importance of conservation, and more. We hope that this training, in conjunction with the topics covered under the education initiative, will enable the women to collect information following incidents of livestock depredation and ensure they are able to effectively deal with any resulting conflict, and to advise others of methods to reduce depredation in future.
Rebecca proudly displays her Mama Simba shuka (wrap) in her village. © Ewaso Lions
Cleaning Up Waste in Villages
Rather than having one-time litter cleanups in villages, we wish to make the Mama Simba waste removal campaign more sustainable and effective. We will conduct a waste audit to ascertain the quantity and type of materials that are being wasted locally and determine whether the women are able to turn this waste into quality products that can be sold to generate supplementary income.
Beadwork for Income
The beadwork component of the Mama Simba program is valued highly by the women. We now intend for the current Mamas to train two or three women in each new locations how to make the beaded lions. Expansion of the beadwork component of the program will help us to meet increasing demand for the beaded lions, as well as provide another opportunity for the women to spread awareness about lions and their conservation within the Conservancy.
With the Mama Simba survey demonstrating positive results for the program, we look forward to taking this program to the next level. By carefully designing each aspect of the program, we see a real opportunity to engage more Kenyan women in conservation, and create a secure future for lions and other large carnivores in the region.
Women learn about wildlife conservation and obtain skills that they can use in all aspects of their lives. © Ewaso Lions
Video: Lion with Broken Leg Examined by Wildlife Vets
Field report by Heather Gurd
On September 14th, we received a flurry of reports from our Lion Watch Guides that a young male lion had an injured leg and was unable to put any weight on it. Concerned, Jeneria and his field team left before dawn the next morning to locate and assess the situation. They found the injured lion and identified him as Lengwe, the 2-year-old son of Nanai from the Koitogor Pride.
Lengwe was unable to walk; being in such bad shape meant he might not be able to survive. Jeneria immediately contacted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) veterinarian. Fortuitously, Dr. Mutinda was already in Samburu attending to an elephant issue. More good news for Lengwe was that his pride had made a kill. Lions obtain moisture from the stomach contents of their prey; incapable of making it down to the river to drink, Lengwe needed this feed.
Lengwe was found with a sever limp and could barely put any weight on it. Nobody knows how the lion got injured. Photo © Ewaso Lions
The exact cause or extent of the injury was unknown. In order to make a confident diagnosis, Dr. Mutinda decided that an X-ray was required. The first challenge: an X-ray machine would have to be borrowed from a (very generous) animal veterinary practice in Nanyuki, a four-hour drive away. The second challenge: conducting an X-ray on a wild lion would not be quite so straightforward as conducting an X-ray on a family pet.
Getting the vets, the X-ray equipment, and the lion at the same place at the same time proved to be no easy task. We monitored Lengwe from dawn to dusk until the 18th. Despite livestock encroachment issues in the park threatening to complicate matters further, the operation went ahead as planned.
At 3pm, as the team made preparations for the darting, the heavens opened; the first rain to fall here in months. The Samburu people believe this is a blessing.
Although Lengwe was resting inside a dense bush, Dr. Mutinda was able to dart successfully. Once the drugs took effect, the immobilized Lengwe was carried into the open by a team of warriors and rangers. He was doused in water to prevent overheating, and machines monitored his condition before the long-awaited X-ray could be conducted.
KWS vet Dr. Mutinda and Jeneria inspect the sedated lion’s injuries. Photo © Ewaso Lions
Medical equipment closely monitored Lengwe’s health during the examination. Photo © Ewaso Lions
It was with mixed reactions I watched the events unfurl; it was hard to see such a majestic animal looking so vulnerable but, at the same time, fascinating to witness the first X-ray operation Ewaso Lions has been involved in, and to know the importance a concrete diagnosis could have on Lengwe’s chances of survival.
After rotating Lengwe to secure the best possible view of the damaged leg, the vets were finally able to confirm that he had sustained a fractured femur. The bad news: a fractured leg is virtually impossible to treat in wild lions. The good news: the joint is still in place and there is still a chance it could heal naturally.
Once the exam was complete, the team carried Lengwe back into the bushes for him to recover. Photo © Ewaso Lions
Following the X-ray Lengwe was given IV fluids to rehydrate him. The Ewaso Lions team continued to monitor him into the night and have spent every day since the operation in Samburu National Reserve tracking him and his pride. Encouragingly, soon after, he was spotted drinking water in the river and, although still moving around on three legs, he has been managing to keep up with his the rest of the Koitogor pride.
We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Lengwe has the best possible chance of survival in the wild.
The exam was a success, and the Ewaso Lions team is monitoring him closely, hoping he makes a full recovery. Photo © Ewaso Lions
Ewaso Lions would like to thank the following:
• Dr. Mutinda and his KWS veterinary colleagues
• Dr. Imran, North Kenya Veterinary Services.
• Samburu National Reserve and Rangers, especially Mike Lesiil.
• Our Lion Watch Guides, especially Julius Lesoli.
UPDATE: As of January 2016, Lengwe is alive and well. Click here to see a video of his recovery.
Special Lion Kids Camp Reunion
This month we held a very special edition of our Lion Kids Camp – a Reunion Camp. We brought together 122 Kenyan children who had all previously participated in a Lion Kids Camp since our first one in 2013. The children joined us from 11 schools, spread across three counties (Samburu, Isiolo and Nyeri).
Everyone was so excited to see each other and reunite for four days of conservation education, games, career advice, and much more. The camp not only served to reinforce important conservation messages but also allowed the kids, who come from diverse cultural backgrounds and a wide range of ages, to interact and share their stories. For the children from Honi and Laburra Primary Schools, located in Nyeri County close to Mt Kenya, this was their first time to Samburu – many didn’t even know where Samburu was before the camp!
Three of our sponsored students – Painoti, Saniki and Joy – were in attendance. The girls were a fantastic help with the younger children and are proving to be great role models. As Painoti approaches the end of her secondary school education, and Saniki and Joy midway through theirs, we spent some time with the girls discussing their futures and careers.
We believe that the future of Kenya’s wildlife is in the hands of children like these and hope that, through our Camps, we will continue to inspire the next generation of wildlife ambassadors.
Watch this video to see some of the highlights of the camp:
We wish to thank the following, who helped make this Lion Kids Camp possible:
This Lion Kids Camp Reunion would not have been possible without support from Disney Conservation Fund, our Camp’s main donor.
• Disney Conservation Fund – the Camp’s main sponsor
• Westgate Community Conservancy staff and management for hosting the camp at their Headquarters.
• African Wildlife Foundation for loaning us their education bus to transport the children and, in particular, to Isaac for ensuring everyone made it to camp safely despite the rough terrain.
• Ali & Tony Allport for all their support and amazing photographs.
• Kelvin Lemantaan for all his support and for providing additional transport and to his drivers David and Mr Kenyatta.
• Maingi for all his invaluable logistical support.
• All eleven schools and, in particular, the teachers who accompanied their children to the camp and were involved in all the activities.
> Learn more about our Lion Kids Camp model
Kids were so excited to see each other again that there was loads of laughter, singing and dancing.
After a morning of presentations, everyone participated in a creative art workshop with Samson our art genius, followed by conservation games in the afternoon. Photo by Tony Allport.
Three of our sponsored students – Painoti (left), Saniki (middle) and Joy – attended our Lion Kids Camp Reunion this week.
Tom from Lorubae Primary School was so happy to be back for another Lion Kids Camp. Photo by Tony Allport.
Here are ALL 122 kids from the past 3 years who have attended our Lion Kids Camps. Photo by Tony Allport.
How You Can Help on World Lion Day
Over the past couple of weeks lions have been in the international spotlight. Lions are facing threats like never before. There are fewer than 35,000 lions left in the wild. The greatest threats facing them: loss of habitat and prey, and conflict with local people. In northern Kenya where Ewaso Lions works, we face this grave reality every day. Just two weeks ago, we lost two cubs from the Ngare Mara Pride.
Monday, August 10th, marks World Lion Day and is a great opportunity for you to join our efforts to ensure a future for Kenya’s lions. Here are three ways you can help:
1. Support Our Work
For World Lion Day, please consider making a donation to Ewaso Lions. We work closely with local communities to change negative perceptions of lions. Our research is studying ways lions use the landscape, so that we may help both people and lions. All of our work is carried out by a dedicated team on a shoestring budget. We need your support to continue.
2. Spread the Word
A recent poll showed that few people know of the rapid decline of lions and big cats – but it’s easy for you to help spread the word. We are participating in National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative High 5 for Big Cats. Snap a photo of yourself giving a high five. Share it on Facebook and Twitter (make sure to include #5forBigCats in your post). Tag five friends to send them a virtual high five.
Starting today through Monday, please tweet and post using the hashtags #WorldLionDay #EwasoLions and #5forBigCats
3. Run for Lions
On Sunday, Brian Khepri will be running 34 hours straight (!) in Arizona to raise funds and awareness for lions. You can support his campaign here: https://www.razoo.com/story/34hours4lions
On August 10th our team will be running for lions. Each member of our team will participate in a race around our camp in dedication to his or her favorite lion. Supporters around the world can help us raise awareness by running for lions themselves. Will you join us? Share your run on social media with the tags #RunningForLions and #34Hours4Lions.
Let’s make this World Lion Day the biggest ever, and keep lion conservation in the international spotlight. We urge you to channel your energy towards change. Please donate today.
Thank you – and high five!
The Ewaso Lions Team
Statement on Cecil the Lion
Over the past week we have watched as the world erupted over the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. His death enraged people from around the globe and has sparked important discussion. Here at Ewaso Lions, we are doing everything we can to conserve lions. The greatest threats to lions are conflict with humans over livestock depredation, and loss of habitat and wild prey. To address this, we take a scientific approach to community-based conservation. Working hand-in-hand with local people and conducting sound research is how we are ensuring a future for Africa’s most iconic species.
We urge you to channel your energy towards change. Join us in our lion conservation efforts – as you may know, two cubs died recently in Buffalo Springs and we are working to prevent incidents like this in the future. World Lion Day is approaching (August 10th) – let’s keep lions in the international spotlight.
Two Lions Dead in Buffalo Springs
[UPDATED]
It saddens us to announce that two lion cubs died early Thursday morning in Buffalo Springs National Reserve in northern Kenya. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vets have taken the bodies of the one and a half year-old cubs to Nairobi for testing to confirm the cause of death.
It is thought that the lions, belonging to the Ngare Mara Pride, may have been poisoned.
The Ewaso Lions team, together with KWS and Buffalo Springs National Reserve authorities, were present at the scene during the day. Jeneria was later able to locate the rest of the pride close by and we are relieved to report that the other three cubs and their mothers are fine.
Update 29 July: As of the 29th, the remaining cubs and their mothers are well. The cubs spent two full days hiding in a warthog hole, where they were closely guarded and watched over by Jeneria and Letoiye. They finally emerged, and our Field Team was able to assess their condition. Although very nervous, the cubs were well fed and looked stable.
The following day, the cubs were sighted close to their mothers – all looking healthy. After six days closely monitoring the lions, our team has returned to camp exhausted and saddened by the loss of the two cubs but relieved that the remaining pride members are fine.
Meanwhile, we are awaiting results from KWS to confirm the cause of death of the two cubs.
Update: The results confirmed that the lions died from ingesting a toxic pesticide. This is the first recorded instance of a lion being killed by poison in our area. We are taking this matter very seriously and will work hard to make sure this threat is addressed.