Ewaso Lions – Ewaso Lions

708979516_1401634545343725_4733535207516682350_n (1)

Lion Kids Camp Alumni Come Home

They came as children. They are returning as conservation leaders.

In 2025, we set an ambitious goal: to bring 500 Lion Kids Camp (LKC) alumni back to Samburu in 2026 for a series of Reunion Camps. Young people who first attended when they were eight, ten, or twelve years old, and who are now teenagers, young adults, and, in many cases, working conservation professionals. People who grew up alongside lions and other wildlife.

By August 2026, we have run four Reunion Camps, welcoming back 155 alumni. This is their story.

Coming back

Our alumni came from Samburu, Isiolo and Nyeri counties of Kenya. Some had not been back since 2014. Over a decade away from a place that shaped them. Others attended more recently and are still finishing secondary school. However, across all of them, one thing held true the moment they arrived: familiarity clicked back into place.

They got involved in wildlife safaris, lion sightings, and the Conservation Game, ending the day with fireside conversations under the stars. Through all of it, the unmistakable energy of people reconnecting with each other, with the landscape, and with the values that Lion Kids Camp instilled in them years ago.

One alumnus put it simply:

“We are grateful for the chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate how far we have come, and how conservation has shaped our lives and careers.”

From Young Curious Kids to Leaders

The numbers tell an impressive story. Across all alumni who attended this year’s Reunion Camps so far:

97% say Lion Kids Camp changed how they feel about lions
88% are working in, or actively planning, a conservation career
46% have already taken on a conservation leadership role

When we compared alumni from our very first cohort in 2014 – now adults – with those who attended more recently in 2021, impact scores were nearly identical. A decade later, Lion Kids Camp alumni are still carrying the lessons of the camp with them.

The impact does not fade. If anything, it compounds.

“LKC taught me the strength of teamwork and courage to lead with compassion and the importance of lions in our community.” – Margaret Nyakabi, Solio

“LKC inspired me to join the wildlife club, and now I am a secretary.” – Lucy Korosian, Leparua

“It has helped me to step out of my comfort zone and believe in myself.” – Linet Wangechi, Solio

155 Alumni. Four Camps. One Movement.

Across four Reunion Camps in 2026, 155 young adults have come home to Lion Kids Camp. They have sat around the fire again. Gone back into the bush. Looked at a landscape they knew as children and understood it differently as adults.

We set out to bring 500 alumni back this year. We are not done yet.

None of this would be possible without the donors and partners who believed that investing in young people from pastoral communities is one of the most powerful things you can do for wildlife conservation. These are not future conservation leaders. They are the conservation leaders of right now, and they are only getting started.

To everyone who has supported Lion Kids Camp and its Reunion Camps this year, thank you.

Mama Simba’s habitat recovery takes root

If you have been following the Mama Simba habitat recovery journey, you know this moment has been a long time coming.

What started as an initiative for the Mama Simba to recover the land that lions and local communities depend on is becoming real — rooted. A story of patience, learning, and building with your own hands. It is just the beginning.

Why habitat recovery

Lion conservation in the Ewaso Lions’ area of operation is inseparable from the health of the land itself. When habitat degrades, when invasive species crowd out native vegetation, when shade disappears and cover thins, lions and other wildlife lose more than comfort. They lose the dense bush that makes hunting possible. They lose the resting spots that allow them to move through a shared landscape with less friction. They lose the essential thick areas needed to hide their cubs. When wildlife, especially predators, struggle, the ripple effects reach the livestock and the livelihoods of the pastoral communities who live alongside them. Habitat recovery is thus central to the long-term future of lion conservation in this region.

It started with learning

In May 2025, Mama Simba travelled to the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya (CER-K) at Brackenhurst, Limuru, for an intensive five-day training. There, they learned two critical skills: how to identify and tackle Mathenge (Prosopis juliflora), the invasive species quietly choking out native vegetation across the landscape, and how to propagate Salvadora persica (toothbrush tree), an indigenous species that provides lions with dense cover for hunting, hiding cubs and shade for rest. The training was rigorous and practical. It was hands in soil, eyes on species, knowledge transferred directly between people who care deeply about this land.

Mama Simba during their training at CER-K

Building from scratch

By March 2026, that intention had taken physical form. With their own hands, the Mama Simba built a tree nursery, a dedicated, structured space to cultivate the seedlings that would eventually return to the land. They built it themselves, and in doing so, they built an initiative that belongs to them.

The nursery

In May, one year after their initial training and with additional hands-on training and support from the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya (CER-K), which came directly to the newly constructed nursery at the Lion Kids Camp, Mama Simba planted 2000 seedlings spanning 23 species of trees and shrubs. Every single one is indigenous. Every single one was carefully selected not just for lions, but for the full ecosystem: for wildlife, for livestock, and for the communities who share and steward this landscape.

Twenty-three indigenous species, each with a role to play. Some of the seedlings will be planted to fill in the gaps where the invasive Mathenge species has been removed. Others will be planted across the landscape where they will grow into the dense thickets that give lions the cover they need to hunt. Overall, many will provide shade, stabilise soils, support pollinators, or offer fodder for livestock. Healthy ecosystems are not built from a single species; they are interlaced with many, each supporting the others. That is exactly what Mama Simba is rebuilding here.

Growing Momentum

For Mama Simba, this is a historic milestone. It centres the knowledge, the labour, and the investment of the women who know this land best. Women who live alongside lions, who understand the rhythms of this ecosystem in ways no outside expert can fully replicate.

What makes this effort extraordinary is not just its ecological ambition. It is the model it represents: that conservation is most powerful when the communities at its heart are initiating the activities. Mama Simba did not wait for habitat recovery to happen to them. They made it happen themselves.

Next steps

Watching an initiative grow from the ground up, from a simple idea into a tangible, living, breathing reality, has been nothing short of inspiring. The nursery is a beginning, not an end. As the seedlings grow and are eventually transplanted into the wider landscape, the impact of this work will spread beyond the nursery walls, taking root in the soils of northern Kenya.

Images by Simatwa Ngachi & Ewaso Lions

BIG CATS: A Story of Coexistence in Northern Kenya

Looking through the lens at the northern Kenyan horizon, we don’t just see wildlife. We see stories of transformation, of people reclaiming their connection to the land, and of lions finding safety in places once marked by conflict. In this landscape, lions face mounting threats: habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and the steady disappearance of prey due to land degradation. But amid these challenges, we also witness hope. Through community-led conservation, these struggles are being met with resilience, and continued coexistence is slowly becoming possible.

We follow the journeys of two powerful community-led conservation movements, Warrior Watch and Mama Simba, anchored by Ewaso Lions in the heart of Samburu. These aren’t just programmes, they are revolutions in how conservation can be done when the community takes the lead.

In the Warrior Watch programme, traditional knowledge meets modern tools. With each scan of the binoculars, he’s not just looking for lions; he’s watching over his people’s livestock, preserving peace, and protecting Kenya’s last wild lions. © Anthony Ochieng Onyango

Through Warrior Watch, the Samburu warriors, men who were once seen only as potential threats to wildlife, are today the protectors. The programme idea came from a Samburu warrior himself, Jeneria Lekilelei. Armed not with weapons, but with smartphones, binoculars, notebooks, and a resolve. They track lion movements, alert herders of approaching lions, and prevent livestock loss. They traverse thorny terrain, sometimes on foot, sometimes by vehicle, covering hundreds of kilometres not for glory, but to keep the peace. They’ve moved from the periphery to the centre of the conservation story, and they know it.

Mama Simba involved in restoration efforts in the landscape. © Anthony Ochieng Onyango

Then there’s Mama Simba. In 2013, a group of Samburu women from Westgate Conservancy approached Ewaso Lions, expressing a desire to be actively involved in conservation. Their request led to the founding of Mama Simba (Mother of Lions), a pioneering initiative that empowers women to protect lions, educate their communities, and advocate for continued coexistence. These women are not just mothers; they are matriarchs of change. They bead, they teach, they monitor lions, and they meet drought with dignity by growing grass and digging water pans for wildlife. Their mantra, “bringing back wildlife to women,” isn’t a slogan. It’s a return to balance.

These images and voices reveal what happens when conservation isn’t imposed, it’s lived. And in that living, lions gain more than safety. They gain allies.

Featured Image: Our Mama Simba Manager, Munteli, the first woman from a village to drive in Samburu. Mama Simba was also her brainchild (together with Mparasaroi). © Anthony Ochieng Onyango

Published in Big Cats Magazine VOL 3/Issue 1/ January – February 2026

A New Home for a New Generation of Conservation Leaders

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Lion Kids Camp has been transformed. When we launched in 2013, we squeezed 15 eager children into basic shelters, taught under the shade of Acacia trees, hired vehicles, and dreamed of the day we could reach more young people across northern Kenya. The energy was always there. The space to grow, not quite yet. Today, that fully upgraded Camp can reach more than 375 young people every year. And that is just the beginning.

That day is here…

After more than 200 days of construction, our revamped Lion Kids Camp is now open and everything we hoped it would be. The upgrade was not just about building new structures. It was about building capacity: the physical space, the infrastructure, and the foundation to grow a new generation of conservation leaders from the communities that live alongside lions every day.

Before and After

The scale of the upgrade speaks for itself. Where we once hosted 175 children annually, we can now welcome 375. Where we ran 7 Camps a year, we can now deliver 15 Lion Kids Camps annually. It is more than double the reach and more than double the impact. This year alone, we are hosting 15 Lion Kids Camps, 3 Warrior Camps and 10 Reunion Camps, bringing back 500 alumni.

Before the upgrade:

Basic shelters, limited facilities
7 Camps per year
175 children annually

After the upgrade:

15 Lion Kids Camps + 3 Warrior Camps + 10 Reunion Camps planned this year
375 children annually
New mess hall and learning area, a fully equipped kitchen, tents with shading and proper bunk beds, a solar-powered system, and water storage through 12 tanks

Built to Last, Built to Learn

Every element of the new Camp has been designed with the children in mind. The new mess hall and learning area give young people a proper space to gather, eat, and engage with conservation concepts no longer under the shade of a tree, though we will always love those Acacia trees. The kitchen means meals can be prepared safely and at scale. The tents with shading, bunk beds, and solar power mean children can sleep comfortably and stay connected to learning even after dark. And 12 water storage tanks mean the Camp can operate consistently through the dry season.

More Than a Camp

Lion Kids Camp has always been about more than a week in the bush. It is about planting seeds in curious young minds from communities that share land with lions, elephants, and wild dogs. Children who attend Lion Kids Camp go home with something different: a deeper connection to wildlife, a sense of responsibility, and the beginning of a conservation identity that can carry through into adulthood.

With the upgraded Camp now able to host more than one Lion Kids Camp a month, that pipeline has been widened. More children. More communities. More new conservationists.

Since the new Camp opened, we have already welcomed children for three Lion Kids Camps and one Reunion Camp, and the energy has been extraordinary. The Camps are fuller, the learning spaces are better, and the young people of northern Kenya are arriving ready to engage.

Images by Simatwa Ngachi and Ewaso Lions[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Protecting People, Livestock and Wildlife on Our Roads

A milestone moment for people, livestock, wildlife, and the roads we share in northern Kenya: 26 new wildlife crossing signs now stand along the A2 Highway in northern Kenya, marking years of data, dedication, and collaboration.

In February 2026, we celebrated a significant milestone: the installation of 26 wildlife and livestock warning road signs along key wildlife corridors of the A2 Highway. This is not just about road signs. It is about recognising that the roads cutting through our landscape are also shared by lions, elephants, zebras, and the livestock of the communities who call this place home.

The A2 Highway passes through some of the most important habitats and wildlife corridors in northern Kenya, cutting across National Reserves and Community Conservancies, including Kalama Community Conservancy, where wildlife and people continue to coexist. This Highway is essential for northern Kenya, and so is ensuring it is safe for every user of this landscape, whether people, livestock, or wildlife.

Where the Signs Are and Why It Matters

The 26 signs have been strategically placed in high-risk areas where wildlife-vehicle collisions have been documented over many years. Over 400 animals have been killed along the A2 Highway in northern Kenya over the past decade, including 2 lions hit between Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. By alerting drivers to wildlife crossing zones, these signs act as a first line of defence, slowing drivers down, raising awareness, and ultimately saving lives on both sides of the road.

The placement of these signs was based on data collected over many years through the Northern Kenya Road Watch. Citizen Science was a key aspect where drivers, community members, and conservation partners alike provided a robust dataset on how wildlife traverses the landscape, tracking movement patterns, identifying pinch-points and critical corridors, and building the evidence base needed to act.

A Long-Term Message

While these signs are a short-term mitigation measure, they carry a long-term message: that the threats facing wildlife in shared landscapes are real, that they are being taken seriously, and that action is possible. Road kills have been a serious concern across this landscape for years. Seeing tangible, on-the-ground action is something we do not take for granted.

There is still much work to be done. But every sign installed is a signal, to drivers, to communities, and to the wildlife navigating this landscape, that this road can be made safer. That we are paying attention.

The Power of Collaboration

This achievement represents years of collaborative work to reduce roadkill, protect lions and livestock from being hit, and ensure road-user safety in the landscape we all share and would not have been possible without the dedication and partnership of many. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Northern Kenya Road Watch and all its partners, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the National Reserves, Westgate Community Conservancy and Kalama Conservancy all played a critical role. Their collective commitment to finding solutions is a powerful reminder of what is possible when conservation organisations, government agencies, and local communities work together toward a shared goal.

We are also grateful to Action for Cheetahs, the Grevy’s Zebra Trust and Save the Elephants, among others, whose contributions to the data collection and initiative made this possible. Conservation at this scale demands exactly this kind of coordinated, cross-sector effort. We are also grateful to Ewaso Lions donors for funding the construction of these road signs.

Written by Victoria Wanjohi and photos by Simatwa Ngachi.

From Cattle to Camels: How Samburu and Rendille Elders are Sharing Knowledge to Adapt to Climate Change

In Kenya, camels have traditionally been the domain of pastoralist communities such as the Rendille, Gabra, Somali, Borana, and Turkana, who have herded these resilient animals for generations in the country’s arid northern regions. However, a shift is now unfolding in Samburu County, where a community historically known for cattle herding is adapting to a new reality driven by climate change.

The Beginning

The conversation about camels for Ewaso Lions began in 2023 when we noticed a significant increase in camel-lion conflict across the Samburu landscape. Over the past five to ten years, there has been an unprecedented rise in camels in the region as communities increasingly replace their traditional cattle herds with these more drought-resistant animals. This transformation represents a direct response to climate change: frequent and severe droughts have been decimating cattle populations, forcing pastoralists to seek more resilient alternatives.

But this change came with an unforeseen and deadly consequence. The Samburu are cattle people, not camel people. For generations, they have understood how to manage their livestock in ways that reduce conflict with the lions that share their landscape. That knowledge, however, does not translate to camel herding.

The crisis reached a critical point in May 2024 when we observed that numerous camels were being lost to lion predation. The problem was in inadequate camel husbandry. Unlike cattle, which Samburu herders knew how to protect and manage, camels require different herding techniques and more intensive supervision. Without proper training, the camels were often left unattended or inadequately guarded. The herding methods that worked for cattle simply did not work for camels, which are harder to keep together and require specialised knowledge.

Making matters worse, the camels coming into Samburu had no fear of predators. They would walk directly into lions, making them easy prey. For the lions, it was an easy meal; for the Samburu communities and the conservation efforts in the region, it was an escalating disaster that threatened both livelihoods and the fragile coexistence between people and wildlife.

The Learning Trips

Late in 2024, Jeneria Lekilelei, Ewaso Lions’ Community Conservation Director, began discussions on how to address this problem. The solution was both simple and profound: take Samburu elders north to Marsabit to learn from the Rendille, who have centuries of experience in camel husbandry. These learning trips would bridge the knowledge gap and transfer essential skills from one community to another.

What began as a trial initiative has evolved into a comprehensive training programme that is already showing remarkable results. The camel husbandry learning trips have brought together 36 male participants from Westgate Conservancy, building connections between communities and strengthening the vital link between proper animal husbandry and peaceful coexistence with lions.

The demographics of participants reflected the intergenerational nature of the challenge: 42% were between 35 and 49 years old, 36% were between 50 and 65 years, and 22% were between 20 and 34 years. Notably, 94% of participants were completely new to camel herding, highlighting the urgent need for this training.

The training sessions were comprehensive, covering camel herding techniques, grazing patterns, and disease recognition. Importantly, they also emphasised cultural beliefs and the crucial role of elders in pastoral societies. Participants responded enthusiastically to this holistic approach. 22 elders highlighted camel herding techniques as a key takeaway, while 21 elders noted grazing and movement patterns as particularly valuable. The perceived community benefits included enhanced skills and reduced carnivore conflict, with 23, 21, and 17 participants citing these advantages, respectively.

Measuring success

The impact of the training was measurable and substantial. A post-training survey revealed a dramatic increase in participants’ confidence in their ability to enhance camel herding practices, with ratings jumping from (on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is “not at all confident” and 5 is “very confident”). Even more significantly, the training reinforced the importance of coexisting with lions, reflected in a post-training rating of 4.28, up from 3.25.

Beyond the numbers, the real-world impact has been striking. As Jeneria observed, “The camel husbandry learning trips have led to quick impact already! We have noticed conflict between lions and people has reduced, and our elders are taking more ownership over looking after camels and training them. I am excited to see what more we can do to reduce conflict further.”

Moving ahead

The long-term vision is ambitious: train 100 elders in total who will then lead camel husbandry training efforts across the broader community. The plan is to hand over the training to Samburu elders themselves, creating a sustainable, community-led initiative. These trained elders will become the teachers and leaders in camel husbandry, passing on knowledge to other wazee (elders) and ensuring that the expertise becomes embedded within Samburu culture.

Participants have already expressed a strong interest in additional training sessions across other regions and have recommended including youth in upcoming programmes, recognising that this knowledge must span generations to be truly sustainable.

We are grateful to Westgate Conservancy for their partnership in this endeavour. The success of these initial training sessions has laid the foundation for future initiatives that promise to further reduce conflict and strengthen the bonds between communities, their livestock, and the lions that have always been part of this landscape. As climate change continues to reshape pastoral livelihoods across East Africa, the Samburu elders, learning from their Rendille counterparts, offer a powerful model of adaptation, cooperation, and coexistence.

Written by Victoria Wanjohi and photos by Simatwa Ngachi.

A Game of Coexistence

Across Africa, the roar of the lion is growing fainter. Once spread across vast landscapes, the African lion has disappeared from 92% of its historical range. A century ago, an estimated 200,000 lions roamed the continent; today, that number has dropped to just 20,000–30,000.

In Kenya, fewer than 2,500 lions remain. The reasons are complex: shrinking habitats, conflicts with people when livestock is lost, climate change, disease, and the expansion of infrastructure all play a part. For a species that needs vast territories and abundant prey, survival outside protected parks and reserves is becoming difficult.

Yet, the future of lions lies largely in the hands of the people who share the land with them.

Changing Perceptions, One Child at a Time

In Samburu, where Ewaso Lions works, many children grow up within sight of wildlife reserves but have rarely experienced wildlife in a safe, positive way.

For some, lions are not majestic animals from storybooks, but threats: the predators that killed a family’s livestock, or the reason they run in fear when herding goats.

Recognising that children are new stewards of Kenya’s wildlife, Ewaso Lions launched the Lion Kids Camp (LKC) in 2013. The programme blends wildlife education, guided safaris, and conservation-themed activities to enhance knowledge of nature.

While the camp initially targeted school-going children, the team quickly identified a gap: pastoralist children who herd livestock from an early age. These young herders often have the greatest day-to-day impact on wildlife, yet have the least access to conservation education.

To reach them, Ewaso Lions developed a five-day, hands-on curriculum that relies on tactile and visual experiences, ensuring it works for both literate and non-literate children. One of its most successful activities is an innovative, laughter-filled obstacle course with a serious purpose: the Ewaso Lions Conservation Game.

Ewaso Lions Conservation Game

First introduced in April 2015, the Ewaso Lions Conservation Game transforms complex conservation challenges into an energetic and interactive experience.

Children are divided into teams, each representing a pride of lions. One member, acting as the pride leader, must guide their “lions” (team members) safely through a “community area” (the obstacle course), collecting key resources like water, prey, safe refuges, and protection while avoiding dangers like settlements, livestock, poachers, rabid dogs, bushfires, and highways.

There’s a twist: all “lions” except the leader are blindfolded, meaning teamwork, trust, and clear communication are essential.

Each obstacle and checkpoint represents a real-world survival factor for lions living alongside people. The game ends with a group discussion that connects each part of the course to actual conservation issues and solutions.

What the Game Teaches

Through play, participants learn:

The needs of lions living in community lands
The threats lions face, from habitat loss to disease
How human activities can help or harm lion survival
Practical ways people can coexist with large carnivores

And beyond the knowledge, the game builds knowledge and empathy. Children begin to see lions not just as predators, but as fellow creatures navigating a dangerous world.

Ripple Effects in the Community

Although designed for children, the game’s appeal has reached herders, warriors, women, and elders, literate or not. In every group, it ignites conversations about coexistence and inspires positive attitudes toward wildlife.

From Kenya to the World

What began as a local initiative has proven adaptable across countries and species. The Conservation Game has been tailored and played in Mozambique, Ethiopia, Peru, and Botswana, each time contextualised to the local wildlife and challenges.

Why It Matters

Lions are not just icons of Africa; they are vital to healthy ecosystems. Protecting them requires more than safeguarding parks and reserves. It means working with the people who share their landscapes, building understanding, and turning fear into respect.

In Samburu, this work starts with a simple truth: if you want to change the future, start with the children. Sometimes, that change begins with a blindfold, an obstacle course, and the laughter of a “pride” learning to survive together.

Read the full game concept: Download the Conservation Game Guide (PDF)
Share your feedback: If you adapt the game in different contexts, please fill out our short survey. Your input will help us improve and inspire more communities to use the game as a tool for conservation and coexistence.

Watch The Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Victoria Wanjohi

Global Report Reveals Declining Lion Populations — But There’s Hope in Kenya

A new report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has delivered a wake-up call for lion conservationists across the world. For the first time, lions (Panthera leo) have been assessed under the IUCN’s Green Status of Species, a tool that measures how close a species is to recovering its full ecological role. The results are sobering.

Globally, lions are now classified as “Largely Depleted”, with a species recovery score of just 30%. This means that across much of their range, lions have lost their historical ecological function and remain highly dependent on active conservation to survive. Even more alarming is the projection that without these conservation actions, lions would likely become Critically Endangered within just two decades.

Once widespread across Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of southern Europe, lions now occupy only 8% of their historical range. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the loss of natural prey have all contributed to this sharp decline.

You can explore the full IUCN report here, which offers a global snapshot of lion recovery.

While the global outlook is bleak, there are bright spots, and Northern Kenya is one of them.

In 2024, Ewaso Lions documented promising signs of recovery within its conservation landscape:

15 lion cubs were born
92 lion sightings were recorded across the landscape

These numbers are not just statistics. They are signs of hope. In a region where lions once faced sharp declines due to conflict and shrinking habitat, these births and regular sightings indicate a stabilising and potentially recovering lion population.

At the heart of this success is a community-led approach to conservation. Through our programmes like Warrior Watch, Kura’s Pride, Lion Kids Camp, and Mama Simba, local people, from Samburu warriors to young livestock herders, are empowered to take the lead in protecting lions. By integrating traditional knowledge, addressing human-lion conflict, and nurturing pride in wildlife stewardship, Ewaso Lions is helping rewrite the story for lions in Kenya.

The IUCN’s Green Status doesn’t just measure how close a species is to extinction; it asks how fully a species is performing its role in the ecosystem. In many parts of Africa, lions no longer shape the environment the way they once did. But where conservation efforts are strong, lions are beginning to bounce back.

The global report makes it clear: recovery is possible, but only with sustained effort, funding, and community leadership. Without it, lions face an uncertain and diminished future.

Here in Kenya, the lions still have a chance, but they need your support.

Whether it is funding vital lion monitoring, supporting community-led initiatives, or helping young people learn to coexist with wildlife, your contribution makes a real difference.

Donate and help protect lions where they still have a chance to thrive.

Lion Kids Camp with Children from Nenyirau, May 2025

From May 5th to 9th, 2025, Ewaso Lions hosted a transformative Lion Kids Camp (LKC) for 26 young livestock herders from Nenyirau in Westgate Community Conservancy. This immersive five-day camp provided children, 88% of whom had never received formal wildlife or conservation education, with a unique opportunity to connect with Kenya’s iconic wildlife and learn about the importance of coexisting peacefully with large carnivores like lions.

Despite living near Samburu National Reserve, none of the children had ever been on a wildlife safari before. That changed on Day One of the Camp. Excitement buzzed as the children spotted cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, zebras, and even elephants swimming in the river. For many, this was their first positive experience with wild animals, an unforgettable moment that we hope reshaped their perceptions.

Why Lion Kids Camp Matters

Across Kenya, both rural and urban children often grow up disconnected from wildlife. In rural areas, interactions with wild animals tend to be negative, lion attacks on livestock, crop raids by elephants, or fear of predators. In cities, children may never learn about their native species. LKC was created in 2013 to bridge this gap, nurturing an appreciation and responsibility for wildlife among the country’s youth.

This Camp aimed to:

Educate children about lions, other wildlife, and the threats they face.
Promote coexistence by teaching livestock-friendly practices.
Inspire action for conservation in their own communities.

Impact in Numbers

The camp’s impact was measured through pre- and post-camp quizzes and surveys. The results speak volumes:

100% of participants went on their first wildlife safari.
92% improved their ability to identify carnivores using tracks, signs, or sounds.
86% showed better knowledge of local mammal species.
Threats awareness skyrocketed; children went from identifying an average of 2.4 threats to 11.2.
Perceptions shifted; 100% of attendees believed that wildlife brings more benefits than problems, up from 42%.
Conservation responsibility soared; before the camp, only 4% felt responsible for protecting wildlife. Post-camp? 100%.

From Conflict to Coexistence

The Camp emphasised practical coexistence strategies tailored to herding children. Activities like “The Herding Challenge” made learning fun and relatable. By the end of the Camp:

Every child listed more ways to protect livestock from predators, such as strengthening bomas (livestock enclosures) and using guard dogs.
All attendees could name actions to help conserve wildlife and their habitats, such as avoiding grazing in protected areas and reporting wildlife injuries.

Changing Hearts and Minds

Before Camp, only 38% of children said they wanted more lions in their area. After Camp, that rose to 58%. The proportion of children who “strongly liked” lions rose from 81% to 96%. Most remarkably, 100% of participants said killing wild animals is ‘very bad’.

One child shared, “My attitude towards wild animals has improved as a result of this camp.” Another added, “I enjoyed LKC and would attend another if given the opportunity.”

We are deeply grateful to Westgate Community Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, and our donors for making this Camp possible. Your support helped inspire a new generation of Kenyan conservation leaders.

Learn More About Lion Kids Camp

Since 2013, Ewaso Lions has hosted 48 camps, reaching over 1,275 children across four counties. Our mission is clear: to educate and empower Kenyan youth as wildlife stewards. With every Camp, we get closer to a future where people and lions can continue to thrive together.

Follow our journey on Instagram, Facebook, or visit www.ewasolions.org to support our work.

Link to full report.

Growing Our Reach: A toolkit enabling effective intergenerational leadership for advancing conservation

Growing Our Reach: A toolkit enabling effective intergenerational leadership for advancing conservation.

A publication by IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Young Professionals – [Sarah Chiles, Crista Valentino and James Hattam]

“There are several activities and programs across the globe promoting young professional conservation leadership. Many have excellent elements and need to be promoted further. We have, however, identified an issue thread, which exists to varying degrees across these programs”.

https://ewasolions.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/final_document_v3_print.pdf

1 2