Wildlife – Page 2 – Ewaso Lions

Losing Nanai

NANAI – A SAMBURU LEGEND

For the past 14 years, we have all been very fortunate to observe and protect Nanai- the most well-known lioness in Samburu. On the 26th of May, Nanai was humanely euthanised at 10:44 am by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vet Dr Mutinda and assisted by Dr Sharon Mulindi. Her cancerous growth had returned, and she was unable to survive. She had lost her body condition considerably over the past few weeks and was struggling to move.

In January, our team observed Nanai struggling to eat and hunt because of a large growth in her mouth. Nanai’s three cubs were still months away from being able to survive on their own, and we knew that it was imperative for us to take action to help Nanai and her family. We worked with KWS and on a warm January morning under the shade of an Acacia tree, Nanai was operated on and her growth removed. This was an extraordinary achievement and our concern for her for so many months changed to relief and excitement as we watched her recover. She recovered well and was able to hunt again and raise her cubs for an additional four months until sadly we had to say goodbye. Her cubs have been fending for themselves since April and they recently teamed up other members of their pride. We have been monitoring the cubs closely and are very hopeful about their future.

Nanai lived an amazing life and continued the legacy her mother Nashipai left. We have known Nanai since her birth and she was named by Jeneria meaning “mine” in Samburu. We have watched her grow up as she taught us so much about the lions of the north. She had a huge impact on the landscape and the lion population, and we are all so grateful for every moment we had with her. We are so grateful to all at KWS, Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves management and rangers, and all guides who reported sightings and were concerned about her. Thank you all so much.

We are celebrating the life of this special lioness. If you have been to Samburu, the chances are you were lucky to see Nanai. She will always remain a real legend and icon of Samburu. Here are some of our favourite photos:

Photo (c) Michael Laubscher

Photo (c) Michael Laubscher

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Bringing Back Wildlife to Women: Mama Simba New Vision and Strategy

Bringing Back Wildlife to Women: Mama Simba New Vision and Strategy

Mama Simba, meaning “mother of lions” in Kiswahili, started in 2013 and was the brainchild of two Samburu women – Mparasaroi Lemantaan and Munteli Lalparasaroi. Ewaso Lions engaged the Mama Simba women in conservation, education, and beadwork activities for a number of years.

In September 2022, Mama Simba ladies gathered to take stock of how their work was evolving and decide how to re-weight various programmes and activities. This programme now provides a platform for Samburu women to reclaim their place as the owners and protectors of wildlife. Through environmental literacy, lion habitat recovery activities, engagement and awareness work on coexistence and culture, and providing support during droughts, women are re-engaging in conservation in northern Kenya. Mama Simba now holds firmly to the historically held belief that wildlife belongs to women.

Over the past quarter, the Mama Simba ladies have been very active in their work. Helped by the arrival of a new vehicle sponsored by World Women Work, our Mama Simba ladies have worked in recovering lion habitat by controlling the spread of invasive species, managing the Sasaab Lokere (grass enclosure) by digging bunds, planting seeds and watering them, and managing a pilot tree project in the Conservation Area in Westgate. These activities are in support of partner efforts within the Conservancy.

New Mama Simba vehicle sponsored by World Women Work © Anthony Ochieng

Watch the Mama Simba Vehicle Arrival video here

Planting trees in a new trial experiment © Anthony Ochieng

Watering their trees © Anthony Ochieng

Removal of invasive species “Mathenge” © Anthony Ochieng

In addition to their lion habitat recovery activities, the Mama Simba have been extremely active during the drought and provided much-needed support for wildlife through digging of waterholes.

“A few weeks ago, we saw Loingopa walk inside the dry Ewaso Nyiro River- from hole to hole searching for water. He eventually found a small hole and dug for water an occurrence we had not seen in the past. The next day, Mama Simba ladies went to where the lions were and dug a few holes in the vicinity, and that night lions drank from the dug water holes. The following morning, my team and I found the lions resting nearby the water holes”, Jeneria Lekilelei.

Mama Simba ladies dig waterholes for wildlife © Anthony Ochieng

Here are our Mama Simba highlights for this past quarter:

Successfully acquired a vehicle to aid them in their conservation efforts.
Dug 20 waterholes for wildlife.
Uprooted 70 invasive plant species.
Held a total of 26 environmental literacy classes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Planted and monitored the growth of tree seedlings – so far 15 seeds have germinated.
Supported efforts in Kura’s Pride by reporting cases of sick or injured animals, brought dogs and cats for surgical procedures and vaccinations, reported livestock attacked by wildlife, and helped created awareness on improved animal welfare.
Held 2 exposure trips to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and Samburu National Reserve creating positive interactions between women and wildlife.
Held 1 meeting with women on culture, conservation, and coexisting with wildlife.
Supported each of the 4 Lion Kids Camps held this year.
Assisted in Nanai’s operation and monitored her journey to recovery.

Banner Photo © Anthony Ochieng

Our 2023 Lion Kids Camps are underway

Our 2023 Lion Kids Camps are underway

Children are the new custodians of Kenya’s wildlife and the attitudes they form at an early age about wildlife tend to last a lifetime. Recognising this, our Lion Kids Camp (LKC) programme is well-tailored to engage children in environmental education ultimately fostering long-term conservation values. We also offer culturally relevant information including identifying which carnivore killed their livestock, disease spread and domestic animal welfare.

Lion Kids playing the Conservation Game © Lucy Maina

We target students and livestock herding children from the landscape based on the critical role they play in wildlife conservation. Each five-day Camp follows a carefully designed curriculum that teaches children about the value and importance of lions, large carnivores and other wildlife species, the threats to their survival and techniques communities can adopt to promote peaceful coexistence.

Lion Kids playing the Conservation Game © Lucy Maina

We are excited to have so far held a total of 4 Camps this year -2 Camps for students and 2 Camps for herding children. A total of 97 children from 4 conservancies – Meibae, Nakuprat Gotu, Westgate and Nanapisho – attended our Camps.

Each day was special for the children, from introductions and getting to know each other, to learning about wildlife and their identification, and finally to a safari into Samburu National Reserve (SNR) using Ewaso Lions’ Simba Safari bus.

Many of the children mentioned the safari as their biggest highlight as it gave them a chance to observe wildlife close-up which brought what they had learnt to life.

Boarding the bus to head on Safari © Lucy Maina

Susan Ekiru said, “We woke up so early on the third day and went to the Reserve. We were overjoyed to see Lions, Elephants, Baboons, Warthog, Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras among other animals. I was saddened to learn that the Grevy’s Zebra is facing extinction if nothing is done.”

Painoti our Education Assistant shows the children Nanai close-up © Lucy Maina

Samburu National Reserve Warden, Moses Lolmodooni, speaks to the children © Lucy Maina

Acknowledging the importance of conservation engagement and awareness, Lion Kids Camp is expanding to include warriors and youth. In this spirit, we had an exposure trip to the Reserve dubbed “Transform Samburu” with an environmental youth group from Lorubae. 25 youth had an opportunity to appreciate and interact positively with wildlife.

“I hope to come back, I have learnt a lot about wildlife and I am teaching my family and friends too. I aspire to be a wildlife veterinarian like Dr. Jessicah of Kura’s Pride so I can be able to save Grevy’s Zebra from extinction. Thank you so much Ewaso Lions for according this opportunity to me, ” Susan Ekiru, Nakupurat – Gotu Conservancy.

Banner Photo © Lucy Maina

RESILIENCE AND COURAGE: NANAI’S JOURNEY OF RECOVERY

RESILIENCE AND COURAGE: NANAI’S JOURNEY OF RECOVERY

DISCLAIMER: GRAPHIC IMAGES

Nanai is a very well-known lioness that we have known since she was born almost 14 years ago. We have watched her grow up in Samburu and be the most efficient hunter and mother that she is. Nanai has given birth to so many cubs – who are often seen in Samburu. She occasionally moves to Buffalo Springs and can often be seen along the Ewaso Nyiro River. She is truly an icon of northern Kenya.

For a number of months, we have closely monitored Nanai after noticing a growth below her mouth. Late last year, we became concerned that it was growing and was affecting her hunting and feeding ability. With 3 cubs depending on her, we were greatly concerned.

Nanai on the 26^th of December 2022

Nanai on 4^th January 2023

We worked quickly with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Samburu National Reserve (SNR) to bring in Dr. Mutinda (Lewa Wildlife Conservancy & KWS) and Dr. Oundo (North Kenya Veterinary Services) to help Nanai through this difficult and complex situation.

On the 16^th of January, Dr. Mutinda and Dr. Oundo quickly arrived to assess Nanai. After the assessment using a portable X-ray machine, they identified a fracture in Nanai’s jaw, and a decision was made to surgically remove the mass from her mouth. Her surgery occurred on the 18^th of January and we collared her for close monitoring. Despite sleepless nights and very long days, our team remained hopeful that Nanai would recover. Jeneria and his team have closely watched over Nanai documenting every step of her journey to recovery.

We are thrilled that Nanai’s mouth looks much better following her surgery. We had a great sighting of her and her cubs as they sat along the Ewaso Nyiro River and eventually even chased some impalas. She has also hunted warthogs a few times with her cubs. This is a true story of resilience and courage.

Nanai’s Surgery on 18^th January 2023

Nanai on 23^rd January 2023

Nanai on 26^th January 2023

Nanai and her cubs on 11^th February 2023

April 2023 Update on Nanai

Nanai continues to hunt successfully even during the rains when it becomes more challenging for lions. She is still with her cubs who are growing quickly and will be named soon!

We are so grateful for the extraordinary effort from Dr. Mutinda and Dr. Oundo, Dr. Kurere and Solomon Lenasalia (Kura’s Pride & Vetinwild), Samburu rangers and their leadership through Tom Lesarge and Moses Lolmodooni who have all been outstanding, Samburu KWS Warden and the KWS Veterinary Unit team, and all tour guides who reported her sightings frequently.

We thank all our friends and supporters for ensuring that our work goes on, and our mission is fulfilled. Together we have given Nanai and her cubs the very best chance of survival.

Monitoring Update: Carnivore News From The Team

Monitoring Update: Carnivore News From The Team

The lion monitoring team has been tremendously busy these past few months. Both in the reserves and on community lands, carnivores are thriving. Our resident lions have been gaining more and more confidence, feeling safe on community lands and in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. We’ve also been lucky to have some visiting lions as well as some rare sightings of other carnivores.

From our calculations, this season marks the highest number of lions in our area of operations since we began the project. While the landscape goes through the toughest of seasons, we can take pride in the coexistence that has been built over the years with the team and community working hard to keep the culture of conservation thriving.

One of the highlights was the entry of three maned males that we had not seen in Samburu National Reserve before. These males have been in Il Ngwesi Conservancy for over a year, after first being sighted in Westgate Conservancy in June 2021 (originally from Loisaba). Our team in Il Ngwesi had been watching over them and then they made their way to Samburu National Reserve. It gives us much hope to see the movement of lions through the landscape as we continue to work to keep critical corridors open. Lpuresi and Letupukwa watched the new arrivals closely to see whether they will head back south or whether Samburu National Reserve will become their new territory. Sure enough, after less than a week in Samburu National Reserve, the 3 males headed back south to Il Ngwesi Conservancy. Their presence in Samburu led to new movement by our resident males who ventured far east and west into areas we had not seen them in before, having been supplanted by the new arrivals. Letupukwa and Lpuresi returned to camp after a week with these lions brimming with stories and experiences of what they saw.

Il Ngwesi males sit in saltbush as captured by Letupukwa and the monitoring team © Ewaso Lions

Meanwhile, Naramat’s kin, Mararoi and Narasha successfully hunted a warthog in the Westgate Conservation Area. Seeing them find healthy prey in this area where partners have just concluded the first management plan for a conservation refuge is proof that together, we can help wildlife flourish even during the tough periods.

Narasha hunts a warthog © Ewaso Lions

One of the rarest sightings we’ve had thus far has been of a leopard and her two cubs close to the river in Westgate Conservancy. She is a fantastic mother as she navigates through the complex community landscape.

Our team is keeping track of all these carnivores as they navigate the landscape during this challenging season. We thank all our friends and supporters for ensuring that our work goes on, and our mission is fulfilled.

A week in the life of Jeneria

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7030″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Naramat was in trouble. She had wandered into an area in Westgate which would put her on a collision course with some of the camels there. Having heard this grave news, Jeneria’s week began by racing there to keep the lioness and the community’s camels safe. Mission accomplished, Jeneria had no time to rest as the very next day – Monday – Nadala killed two cows north of Samburu, and Loeku’s GPS points put him ominously close to the town. Jeneria went with some Warrior Watch men to deal with both of these issues, negotiating for Nadala’s life and keeping a close eye on Loeku’s movements.

Switching it up, Jeneria now had to put on his workshop hat. On Tuesday, he headed to pick up conservancy managers from three different areas for a training. When they were done, the fun reached a crescendo when Jeneria found himself in the midst of a spectacularly colourful Turkana wedding in Ngare Mara, surrounded by 200 feathered Turkana warriors. A rare occasion for Samburus and Turkanas to mix, Jeneria was asked to speak, further bridging peace to the two communities at the celebration.

As the excitement died down, Jeneria’s thoughts veered back to Loeku, and he went straight back to check that he was in a safe area.

Having dropped everyone back to far flung homes, Jeneria went to a meeting with the women of Westgate. Looking out at these pioneering women, he passionately gave them advice and showing all the men’s support for women to have a stronger voice in conservation.

On Saturday, serious matters were afoot, and Jeneria went to participate in the Annual General Meeting of a key conservancy: Kalama, keeping lions on the agenda there.

Time for a break? Well, maybe Sunday brought a break of sorts. Jeneria joined Munteli, our Mama Simba coordinator as she took Westgate Mamas out for a wildlife safari. With the rain and the lush bush, there was lots to see and lots to celebrate as Munteli drove everyone through the windy paths.

Jeneria’s breakneck speed, passion and efficiency inspires us all every day, and is helping to build up the next generation of those who want to be just like him. We salute him, and the world salutes him too. This frantic week also brought with it a coveted prize. Jeneria is among 50 wildlife rangers across the continent to receive the African Ranger Award from the Paradise Foundation. He is being honoured for his courage, bravery and efforts in securing a future for wildlife, and we couldn’t be more proud.

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Wildlife Enjoy the Samburu Rains

Samburu has received a lot of rain in the past few weeks – 185 mm since March – and 133 mm in April alone! This is a very special time to be here – the river is flowing fast, and grass & flowers are everywhere. It is spectacular. Our field team have had many amazing wildlife sightings over the past few weeks and these are some of our favourite wildlife moments. And the rain continues…

Dead hyena

Whilst I was in Shaba last weekend attending the management plan meeting for Isiolo County Council, I heard that a striped hyena was seen dead in Samburu National Reserve. As soon as I returned to Samburu I went to check it out. Unfortunately, by the time I saw the hyena, not much was left apart from some hair and a little bit of skin. It was not easy to establish the cause of death. There were patches of hair scattered everywhere with blood as well. But that was pretty much it. I could tell that the hyena had been dragged around quite a bit. I am not sure whether it was dragged later after it died or was actually killed by something.

Collecting hair

It is quite hard to see hyenas here. Striped hyenas are more common then spotted and I see them maybe 2 or 3 times a month. Tracks are quite common on the road, and the striped hyenas are seen mainly at dusk and dawn. Since 2003, I have only seen spotted hyena 3 times and we almost never hear them at night.

I recently supplied the wardens and management of the reserves information on wildlife poisoning so they are aware of how it is affecting wildlife in Kenya. Not much has been documented in this part of the country on poisoning and the more people are aware, the better.

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Cheetahs, cheetahs and more cheetahs..

During the second week of February I was fortunate to see cheetahs almost everyday. The first few sightings were of a female and her 1-year old male cub. The mama tried hunting on a few occasions however was never successful. During one instance she got pretty close to some gerenuk however missed the chance as some vehicles disturbed the prey. Her cub at the time stayed about 100 metres away waiting anxiously for a hopeful meal.

I was also lucky to see a mother and 3 8-week old cubs. Its been a long time since I have seen such little cheetahs and they were so cute! However I was quite nervous watching these cheetahs as about 300 metres away, 3 lions were sleeping in the bushes. Lions often do kill cheetahs and I hoped the lions would remain asleep for a long time. During this same time, the two male cheetahs that I saw on the day I arrived were also around in Buffalo Springs. One male however was reported to have a bad leg and was seen limping. Overall, it was a great week of cheetah sightings.

On the 12th of February, I got a message from one of the tour-drivers that a cheetah was seen hanging in a tree. I couldn’t understand the message clearly but this was made clear early the next morning when I went out to investigate with a ranger from the reserve. I was shocked to see a dead cheetah hanging in a tree, and it had been almost entirely eaten. Only the head remained and the behind, the legs and middle were eaten completely. It had been dragged up quite high in a tree on Ansel Plains, right next to the elephant corridor. We walked around the area and saw many leopard tracks all along the main road. Lions had also visited the scene and had walked around the tree. No sign of any hyenas though. There were bones and hair under the tree, but no other sign.

I have not yet been able to identify which cheetah this was, but initially thought it was the 1 -year old cub I had seen the previous day with its mother (the tree was about 500 metres from where I had seen her). I got quite confused as after leaving the dead cheetah, I happened to come across another female cheetah with a cub. This cub was much younger however – about 8-10 months old. So this was another mama and cub! Drivers told me that that she used to have 2 cubs and maybe it was one of them that was killed by the leopard. I am still unsure but am on the look out for all the known cheetahs to see which one is missing.

It was sad to see a cheetah this way. I know cheetahs are killed by other predators but it is rare that you actually hear of a leopard that has eaten one. Cheetahs have such a struggle normally. Everything chases them and some kill them and also eat as in this instance. Lions, hyenas, leopards, jackals and even guinea-fowl give cheetahs a hard time (I have seen a whole flock of guinea-fowl chase away two male cheetahs). Unfortunately tourism pressure does not help them much and often cheetahs are stopped from hunting or prey is alerted. Cheetahs definitely need our help and we play a big role in making sure that they are given the space they need to hunt freely.

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