An informant received a tip that someone was trying to sell ivory. The trafficker had 12 pieces weighing just over 35 kg. Posing as an interested buyer, the informant laid the trap, and KWS made the arrest.

These 12 pieces will never make it to Asia. They’ve been confiscated and will join the government stockpile for cataloging, DNA analysis, and presumably, ultimately destroyed. The last big ivory burn in Kenya took place in 2016, the world’s largest at the time.

But it’s worth noting that these 12 pieces came from 4 tusks that had been cut into thirds for easier transport (and hiding). While the investigation is ongoing, we do know the two elephants these tusks came from were not from Amboseli. And the arrest, which happened closer to Mombasa, shows just how broad our informer network operates, well outside our area of operation.  

Big Life’s rangers and informer network continue to seize ivory, but we’re noticing less and less moving through the ecosystem. Whether that’s due to a reduction in demand in Asia as a result of legal ivory markets closing, and thus a lower price point, or other reasons, we can’t say for certain.

What is for certain: we will never stop trying to stem the supply of ivory from Greater Amboseli. Thank you for your support keeping our boots on the ground and our eyes on the horizon. 

It was eight months ago that the bulldozers arrived in the Kimana Wildlife Corridor, before going on to clear 180 acres of natural habitat to make way for commercial agriculture (pictured here). ⁠

Seven months ago, that the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya ordered that work on the farm be stopped, and the company (KiliAvo) lodged a case with the National Environmental Tribunal (NET) to overturn this order.⁠

⁠Finally, today we have an exciting outcome to share. Just hours ago, the NET ruled that KiliAvo’s case against NEMA be dismissed, meaning that the company’s license is now expected to be revoked.⁠

⁠Local landowners and conservancy members are opposed to the farm and the impact that would have on their pastoral and conservation-based livelihoods, and Big Life has worked with them, the Conservation Alliance Kenya, and other stakeholders to ensure that their case is fairly heard.⁠

⁠This is likely not the end of this battle, but the ruling is an indication that Kenya will take seriously the health of environment, and wishes of local communities, when faced with negative consequences of corporate-led ‘development’. ⁠

⁠Big Life applauds the decision, and thanks NEMA for this step toward protection of this important habitat and movement corridor upon which elephants and other wildlife depend. We look forward to working with local landowners, and any interested partners, to ensure that development in this ecosystem is done in a sustainable manner, and not at the cost of wildlife or communities.

UPDATE on 4/27/21: NEMA confirms KiliAvo's license has been revoked.

They say an elephant never forgets, and because your mother doesn’t either, honor her this Mother’s Day in a unique way. Make a tribute donation to Big Life Foundation in honor of your special matriarch, so that Big Life rangers can protect matriarchs of the wild, and all species in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem.

For a donation of $50 or more and we can send a personalized Mother’s Day card with an acknowledgment of your generous donation, or we can send a digital copy via email.

The Mother’s Day tribute card features a gorgeous image of an elephant and calf pair, and a lioness and her cub from Big Life’s area of operation.

"Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures."

These words from Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day, ring as true today as they did when he said it in 1970. Protecting biological diversity and ecosystems is the fundamental basis for a sustainable and healthy planet for all species.

It will take the collective effort of our entire planet, but our experience in Greater Amboseli has demonstrated that sustainable conservation can be achieved through a community-based, collaborative approach. This approach is at the heart of Big Life’s philosophy: that if conservation supports the people, people will support conservation. 

The Greater Amboseli ecosystem, where Big Life operates, is amongst the richest wildlife areas in all of Africa, with some of the largest remaining “tusker” elephants in the world, which were just recently added to the Endangered species list. We also can’t forget about the critically endangered Eastern black rhinos that live in the Chyulu Hills, as well as an increasing population of vulnerable lions across our area of operation. And while it is easy to focus on the charismatic megafauna of East Africa, protecting species at the top of the ecosystem provides an umbrella of protection for all species living in that same ecosystem. We must protect them all.

But if we do not also preserve their habitat, then all will be for naught. There’s no point in ending poaching if there’s no place left for elephants to live freely and migrate in search of food and water.

To our individual donors, our monthly Ranger Club members, and our many incredible foundation, corporate, and field partners that make protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem possible: THANK YOU.  We truly could not do what we do without all of you. 

No matter the step you take - whether it’s donating to a conservation organization like Big Life, committing to offsetting your carbon footprint, or talking to your friends and family about sustainability – today, on Earth Day, it’s something to celebrate.