Almost every day in 2023, the situation reports from Big Life’s Radio Room have included incidents of elephants raiding crops or breaching sections of the 100-kilometer wildlife protection fence. As the drought worsens following December’s pitiful rains, conflicts between humans and wildlife are becoming more regular and more dangerous. 

So, it came as no surprise when Big Life rangers received another call on Monday this week about a bull elephant with a suspected spear wound. It took several days of intense searching to locate him, but he was finally identified on Thursday during a routine foot patrol by Kimana Sanctuary’s Operation Commander, Daniel Popote.

A few phone calls later, and a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust helicopter carrying a vet from KWS was dispatched to help treat him. 

The bull was darted from the air, and once down, it was obvious that his injury was indeed because of a spear, and that it had severed a major vein, causing significant bleeding. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the vets were able to stem the blood flow, clean and treat the wound, and get the elephant back on his feet within a few minutes.

Big Life is able to react swiftly and effectively thanks to our rangers and incredible field partners, without whom this elephant would still be suffering. Left untreated, he would have likely succumbed to infection and a far worse fate. 

We couldn’t do it without their help, or yours. Thank you for your support and for keeping our rangers in the field and on patrol. 

In January, we had a big bash. More than 700 school students, parents, university graduates, and teachers turned up at Big Life’s headquarters to celebrate the one thing they all have in common: all had received some form of financial support for their education from Big Life. Last year, thanks to the generous supporters of our education program, we were able to invest more than $500,000 USD in local scholarships, teacher salaries, and school infrastructure. This represents a massive investment in the future of the communities in Big Life’s area of operation.

Currently, there are 515 students (334 girls and 178 boys) from 81 schools receiving either one-off or part-time scholarships, as well as 7 teachers having their salaries paid for. In addition, the school feeding program that was rolled out in the second half of last year in response to the drought will continue into 2023, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time. By funding teachers’ salaries, providing scholarships for local students, and implementing conservation-specific curriculum in classrooms, Big Life hopes to ensure a better future for the people in this special ecosystem, and they have wildlife to thank.

Thank you to our individual and institutional donors for their ongoing and generous support of our education and scholarship program.

Photos: Jackline Meyian

Did you know: of all the land animals, elephants have the largest hearts?

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching.  Skip the candy and flowers and honor your love with a donation to Big Life. It's a lasting gift that shows enormous love for the elephants, lions, rhinos, and all species in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem.

Making in-honor donations via our website is easy! Simply select an image, occasion (like Valentine’s Day), and include a special message for your honoree.  

For guaranteed Valentine's Day delivery of your e-card, please make your donation before February 14th by 12:00pm (CST). 

Photo: Shaun Mousley

Last week, community members reported that an adult elephant that was seen limping with a suspected injury on its foreleg near the Porini Conservancy. Big Life rangers sprang into action to locate the injured animal, alerting the SWT/KWS vet team to be prepared in the event the elephant needed treatment.

Within minutes, rangers were on the scene searching the area.  It wasn't long before they located the limping elephant. But he wasn't alone.  It turned out another elephant with him also had a painful-looking injury on its trunk. Luckily, the vet was able to successfully dart both individuals and provide treatment which will hopefully keep any infections at bay.

Both of these injuries were the result of human-wildlife conflict. Conflict incidents are on the rise as the drought worsens and the situation becomes more dire.  But these two elephants have a brighter future thanks to the swift response of the Big Life and Porini rangers and the SWT/KWS team.  We will keep an eye on these two in case any follow up treatment becomes necessary.

These images were taken during the treatment. Their unique individual ear shapes help to identify them to researchers and will us to keep tabs on them in the future. Hopefully they stay well away from area farms.