Latest news with #SheldrickWildlifeTrust
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Team rushes to treat elephant's ‘ghastly' injury caused by metal spear in Kenya
A team of wildlife experts in Kenya rushed to the aid of an adult African elephant spotted with a large spear in it's foot. Veterinarians pulled a bent metal spear about 5-feet long that had become embedded in the bull elephant's foot pad, according to a May 18 Facebook post from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The group said the 'ghastly' injury was likely the result of a conflict with humans. The team's 'swift' intervention prevented 'irreversible damage' to the elephant, and as a result, he is expected to be OK, according to the organization. The elephant was found in the Mara Triangle, an area making up one-third of Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. 'Human-wildlife conflict is a growing threat to elephants, as wild spaces shrink and nature's giants increasingly compete with humans for land and resources,' the team said. While vets treat the animals 'caught in the crosshairs,' experts said they are also working to address the root causes of human-wildlife conflict. Some strategies include aerial and ground intervention, 'shepherding elephants off community land and back to protected areas, fence lines that serve as wild borders, and community outreach to accomplish mutually beneficial solutions,' the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust said. Elephants aren't the only animals at risk from human-wildlife conflicts. In early May, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's mobile vet unit in Tsavo treated a fully grown male giraffe with a spear lodged in its leg, McClatchy News previously reported. The giraffe was expected to make a full recovery. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has six mobile veterinary units and a 'rapid response sky vet' program led by the Kenya Wildlife Service to treat injured wild animals across Kenya, according to the groups website.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kenyans grapple with elephants destroying crops
As cute and confident as Pardamat now seems, the little elephant had a difficult start to life. "Pardamat was found next to the dead body of his mother," Edwin Lusichi, head keeper at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's nursery in Nairobi, Kenya, where Pardamat is being cared for, told ABC News. "His mother had a big wound that had been caused by human beings." The story is similar for many elephants across the country -- victims of what's known as "human-wildlife conflict," which has surpassed poaching as the No. 1 cause of illegal elephant death in Kenya, according to conservation groups. Conservation groups say the growing human population, combined with drought and resource scarcity linked to climate change, are increasingly causing people and elephants to compete for things like space, food and water. MORE: Global warming could increase risk of human-elephant conflict, researchers say A common scenario involves elephants raiding and destroying crops in search of food. Some vulnerable farmers, desperate to protect their livelihoods, retaliate by spearing the elephants. "The shopping malls, the roads, have been built on lands that used to belong to elephants and their migration routes," Lusichi said. "So the resources are not there for humans and wildlife, and so animals are forced to get into human properties." According to some conservation groups, the issue has been exacerbated by the proliferation of new commercial farms growing crops like avocados for the West and China. Every year, hundreds of people around the world are killed or injured by elephants due to conflict between humans and elephants, conversation groups said. In southern Kenya, such conflict has become so common that some rangers now patrol farmlands on a nightly basis. "On a busy night, on a dry season, even 20 elephants can come and raid," Daniel Kutata, a ranger for the nonprofit conservation organization Big Life Foundation, told ABC News. "Farmers will be losing their crops, which they are depending on to earn a living, so yeah, there is a lot of pressure. We need both farmers and elephants to be safe." MORE: Study explores elephant greetings and how they change based on social relationships Big Life has installed an electric fence to help keep elephants within their protected areas. The organization reports that this initiative has significantly improved the situation, although some elephants have learned how to get around it. A Maasai farmer who spoke to ABC News shortly after his tomato farm was raided told us he lost months of hard work and approximately $4,000 -- that's about eight times the average monthly salary in Kenya. Save the Elephants, a research and conservation organization headquartered in Nairobi, has been working with local farmers to develop creative solutions to the problem. ABC News spoke with farmer Jonas Makima, who nearly gave up on his business due to elephants raiding his crops. "If an elephant gets onto the farm and raids everything, then it means now, you'll not have food for the family, you'll not have money for education for my children," Makima said. Makima told ABC News that during crop season, every night is a battle. He has set up all sorts of contraptions around his farm to keep the elephants away, including a watch tower, a sound cannon, and "chili bombs." However, Makima said his most effective tool is his beehive fence. A project by Save the Elephants found that elephants avoid crops up to 86% of the time during peak seasons because they are terrified of bees. MORE: Asian elephants have lost 64% of their suitable habitat, scientists say With Kenya's population expected to double by 2070, Makima is now working with Save the Elephants to teach farmers across Africa that peaceful coexistence between people and elephants is possible with the right tools. "People need to be educated, people need to know what to do when they encounter these animals in their farms," Lusichi said. "And people need to know that these animals also have a right to life, a right to their space, so these habitats should not be invaded and occupied and used by people." Kenyans grapple with elephants destroying crops originally appeared on
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
20+ Awesome Things to Do in Kenya for an Unforgettable Trip
Kenya is a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage—making it one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. Whether you're dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Diani, or exploring Nairobi's vibrant city life, Kenya has something for every kind of traveler. From thrilling safaris to unique cultural experiences, this guide covers 20+ incredible things to do in Kenya to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure. Get ready to explore the best this incredible country has to offer! A flagship property unique to Kenya is the Giraffe Manor, a boutique hotel in Nairobi set in stunning acres of private land and indigenous forest since the 1930s. Open courtyards, lush gardens, and sunny terraces make the property a wonderful place to explore, but the main highlight is the herd of iconic safari mammals that reside on the property—giraffes! Visitors can enjoy a breakfast tea and interact face-to-face with these endangered animals (and possibly get a kiss in the process). Another not-to-be-missed encounter located in Nairobi National Park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants and rhinos. Most of the animals were rescued by the organization that has been operating since 1977. Visitors are given a chance to foster these adorable mammals before they get released into the wild. You'll be amazed to see how these gentle giants are cared for and nurtured back to health. The trust allows visitors to watch the animals be fed and even bathed, making it a heartwarming experience that you'll cherish forever. If you're in Kenya, a visit to the Masai Mara and Samburu is a must. These are two of the most popular and breathtaking safari destinations in the country. The Masai Mara is famous for its exceptional population of big cats, game, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle, and wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October, a migration so immense it's called the Great Migration. The flood of animals filling the open savanna is breathtaking and include herds of elephants and giraffes, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Meanwhile, Samburu National Reserve (in the North) is best for unspoiled views of safari wilderness and interacting with the friendly Samburu people. Both safaris offer an incredible opportunity to get up close with wildlife in their natural habitat. Read next: The COOLEST Safari Lodge in Samburu, Kenya If you're looking for a thrilling wildlife experience in Kenya, going rhino tracking on foot in Samburu is a must-do. This unique adventure allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This is honestly perhaps the most exhilarating thing you can do in Kenya! It lets visitors in on an immersive experience with the rhinos while actively contributing to their protection. Herds of elephants can also be seen roaming freely in the vast landscape. You'll be guided by professional trackers who are experts in their field. They will teach you how to track rhinos based on their footprints, droppings, and feeding habits. One of Kenya's prime reserves where guests can get close-up views of the Big Five—buffalos, rhinos, leopards, lions, and elephants with a snowcapped Mount Kenya as a backdrop. Plus, the conservancy is known to let guests meet rhinos as it houses the last Northern and Southern White Rhinos, as well as Baraka—a blind Black Rhino. The conservancy is also known for its innovative conservation projects. It's the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Running for Rangers—a wild footrace supporting Kenya's brave rhino rangers' event—is also a highlight of Ol Pejeta Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley is home to huge flocks of flamingos—one of the most photogenic birds in the African wildlife. More than 450 kinds of bird species can be seen and photographed in the park—with scenic grasslands and woodlands as a backdrop. It's also home to a rich diversity of other wildlife forms including pythons, leopards, waterbucks, and warthogs. Mt. Kenya is Africa's second highest peak, behind Kilimanjaro, and reaches over 17,000 feet (3,800 meters). Guided trips are available to visitors wanting to scale the continent's second-highest mountain via any of the three peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. The trek is less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro but challenging nonetheless. It usually takes 4-5 days to complete the trek with verdant forests and moorlands shrouding its slopes. The best time to hike Mount Kenya is during the dry seasons, from January to February and from July to October. During these months, the weather is more predictable and the trails are less slippery. Remember, this is a high-altitude hike, so take your time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Also, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They know the mountain well and can ensure your safety during the hike. An excursion to Lake Turkana's primordial sceneries is certainly one for the books. This massive saline lake, also known as the Jade Sea, is located in the Northern part of Kenya and is home to the world's largest population of Nile crocodiles. Black sand beaches, three active volcanoes, and three crater lakes—with little to no change from millions of years ago—make up the region. It's also home to the world's largest colony of Nile crocodiles and is where the earliest hominid fossils were found. A UNESCO World Heritage site located at Kenya's northern coastline, Lamu Island's Old Town is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa and features the best-preserved structures from 700 years ago. Know more about the country's culture at the Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort and wander through the maze-like streets lined with traditional mangrove timber and stone houses. Take a traditional dhow sailboat ride for a unique perspective of the island. The friendly locals are always ready to share stories of their heritage, making your visit to Lamu Island not just a sightseeing trip, but a rich cultural experience. Remember to try some Swahili dishes while you are there. The cuisine, a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, is as rich and diverse as the culture itself. Named after its lava-carved landscape and intense geothermal activity within the Great Rift Valley, Hell's Gate National Park is one of the rare parks in Kenya that permits camping, and visitors can also explore the majestic sceneries on foot or via bicycle. Cycling through the park is a popular activity among visitors, offering a chance to explore the vast savannah, dramatic cliffs, and towering volcanic columns at your own pace. Don't forget to visit the park's famous hot springs and take a dip to relax your muscles after the ride. Also, make sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it with the stunning views of the park as your backdrop. It also features obsidian caves, water-gouged gorges, and towering cliffs that can be scaled as well. One of East Africa's largest coastal forests, Shimba Hills National Reserve is abundant in flora and fauna and has the highest concentration of African elephants. It holds four campsites, and the scenic Sheldrick Falls and Mwaluganje Forest are shelter to the rich birdlife and other endemic species like the Sable antelope, Zanzibar Red Bishop, red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola, and fruit bats. Tsavo East National Park's open and majestic bush landscape makes it easy to spot Kenya's iconic elephants covered in orange dust, as well as giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks during the summer months—even more majestic seen in aerial view via plane as it has stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It's an experience that will give you a bird's eye view of the park, allowing you to spot elephants, lions, and even the elusive leopard from above. For rock climbers, Yatta Plateau and Mudanda Rock are must-tries. Wasini Island is Kenya's hidden paradise located at the southern coast and is also where Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is located. Visitors can swim and snorkel in its blue-green waters and even rent a traditional dhow to explore the surroundings. See a number of fascinating marine creatures including humpback dolphins, green sea turtles, and colorful seabirds. Fly high up in the sky to a 360-degree view of Kenya's distinct landscapes and wildlife unfiltered. The popular Masai Mara National Reserve is particularly majestic to look at during the break of dawn as it glides silently over the savannah grasslands and wilderness. Visitors who book a ride between July and October are in for an outdoor treat to see the 'Great Migration' happen. Tourists who are up for something offbeat and peculiar can take a trip to Kit Mikayi—a grand 'tor' (120 m high rock formation) located in western Kenya in the town of Kisumu. This natural formation is deemed a shrine and has a religious and spiritual significance to the ethnic communities who live around it. Visiting Kit Mikayi offers you an opportunity to learn about the Luo-Kakello Clan's customs and traditions. You can listen to fascinating folk tales narrated by the locals, and if you're lucky, you might even witness a traditional ceremony. After you've arranged accommodation, taking a stroll through Nairobi's streets is a trip of discovery and an opportunity to learn about the city's rich history. Several historic buildings, national monuments, statues, and markets add to the stories and influences of the city's colonial past. The McMillan Memorial Library, Kipande House, Jamia Mosque, and war memorial pillars are just few of the things that can be admired while strolling through the cityscape. Along Kimathi Street, you'll find a statue of Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi as well as landmarks like the Hilton Hotel. A little distance away lies the Tom Mboya statue, and further along Moi Avenue, a reminder of a tragic event awaits you at the August 7th Memorial Park. Joining a tour guide is one of the best ways to see Nairobi on foot. Your local guides will provide you with facts and stories about the city, as well as lead you to the most exciting sites and landmarks. Read next: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya for an Unforgettable Trip Shop at these cultural markets to know how locals do it! The Maasai Market is famous for its beautiful handcrafted jewelry, beaded accessories, and traditional Maasai attire. Here, you can find everything from colorful bracelets and necklaces to Maasai shukas, which are traditional blankets worn by the Maasai people. The market is also a great place to buy unique souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home. Meanwhile, Kibuya Market is the place to be when shopping for clothing, metal pieces, footwear as well as fruits, coffee, and tea. Take a break from land safaris and try it via boat this time on the gleaming waters of Lake Naivasha. The safari's cool atmosphere makes for a relaxing and peaceful time in the open water where one can spot a myriad of colorful birds idling about including flamingos, saddle-billed storks, pink-backed pelicans, and kingfishers. One can also spot African fish eagles nesting in the nearby acacia woodland. Home to one of the biggest calderas in the world, Menengai Crater is located in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya and is a popular camping grounds for outdoor enthusiasts. The crater is situated on the Rift Valley floor with its volcano forming about 200,000 years ago. Soak in the panoramic and sweeping views of the plunging cliffs and crater and enjoy sightings of more than 400 species of birds. Kerio Valley is one of the landmark features of the Great Rift and there's no better sport to scale its beauty than paragliding. There are a number of take-off points in the valley where one can enjoy a smooth launch and safe landing. This excursion covers more than 10 kilometers of aerial distance and scenic panoramic landscapes. Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline, and many of those kilometers are beautiful beaches. These golden and white sand beaches are dotted with luxury resorts and holiday homes. Watamu is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kenya. The Swahili town on the north coast has five stunning beaches that are ideal for couples, families, and watersport enthusiasts. Some of the nicest beaches in Watamu are Turtle Bay Beach, Garoda Beach, and Jacaranda Bay. There are more beautiful beaches along the Swahili coast besides Watamu. Mombasa beaches like Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach are among them, as are Diani beaches like Tiwi, Diani Beach, and Galu Kinondo Beach. They're protected by coral reefs and Diani Beach is particularly known and loved for its water sports, including scuba diving opportunities. Read more: What to Wear on a Safari – Practical Outfit Ideas for Women & Men
