Excitement is in the air as team selections are underway for the upcoming Maasai Olympics finals in December!

Amboseli’s Maasai warriors are gearing up to showcase their incredible athleticism, skill, and dedication to conservation. These athletes are not only competing for glory but also championing the protection of wildlife and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

It’s been two years since the last Maasai Olympics, and everyone is excited to see who will make the cut to represent the local group ranches. In the coming weeks, a series of tournaments will determine the top-level athletes that will participate at the finals scheduled for December 14, 2024.

Stay tuned for updates as we prepare for an unforgettable event that celebrates strength, tradition, and the spirit of community.

In the meantime, you can learn more and support the Maasai Olympics, or by purchasing a limited edition shirt from FLOAT, available now until August 12purchasing a limited edition shirt from FLOAT, available now until August 12. 

 Image: Jeremy Goss 

While the world watches the Paris Olympics, we’re gearing up for a different kind of games: the Maasai Olympics.

The Maasai Olympics represent a history-changing shift from killing to conservation.  The idea was first hatched in 2008 by the Menye Layiok, or Maasai “cultural fathers,” to create an organized sports event based on traditional Maasai warrior skills to replace the long-held tradition of hunting lions as a mark of manhood, bravery, and prestige.

Today, the Maasai hunt for medals, not lions.

To commemorate the next Maasai Olympics in December, we’ve partnered with FLOAT to bring you a limited edition design to show your support for the games.

The design is only available from August 5-12 and is available on a variety of colors and styles.

Proceeds will support our critical conservation work in Greater Amboseli for species like lions.

Order yours today!

The #WildlifeRangerChallenge is the world’s largest celebration of solidarity, support, and fundraising for wildlife rangers. This year more than 100 teams of rangers spanning the African continent are taking part in a series of challenges, culminating in a grueling 21km race, in uniform while carrying 22kg backpacks.

This global campaign #ForWildlifeRangers is organized by our longtime partners at the Tusk Trust. It brings together competitors, rangers, family members, wildlife supporters, and social media followers around three central goals:

• Raise vital funds for frontline conservation efforts
• Drive awareness of the importance of the role rangers play in conservation
• Communicate the challenges that these brave men and women must face to protect Africa’s wildlife.

Since its inception five years ago, the WRC has raised $18 million for hundreds of African conservation organizations, including Big Life.

This year, the Scheinberg Relief Fund has generously committed $1 million in matched funds in support of rangers most in need.

To support Big Life in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, please visit this link. To learn more about this fantastic initiative, follow @tusk_org and the hashtag #ForWildlifeRangers.  Image: Joshua Clay

Herding goats can be tedious, and Constable Jane Tayiana did a lot of it growing up in a remote corner of Big Life’s operating area. The highlight of her days was watching the wild animals grazing nearby, and elephants in particular took her breath away.

She aspired to become a safari guide, but her path eventually led her to Big Life, where she has worked as a community ranger for two years now and loves the fact that she spends her days protecting the animals that she fell in in love with as a child.

Constable Faith Ntooki grew up in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills and is remarkably following in her father’s footsteps. He also worked as a Big Life ranger and instilled in her a passion for wildlife. He sadly passed when she was young, and she was on the verge of dropping out of school when her family couldn’t afford the fees.

Faith’s fortunes changed when she earned a scholarship from Big Life, thanks to the Capricorn Foundation, allowing her to complete her secondary schooling. By becoming a ranger, she is continuing to honor her father’s legacy.  

Both rangers are demonstrating to their local community, and the world, that they are just as capable of protecting Amboseli’s wildlife as their male counterparts. From anti-poaching patrols to preventing human-wildlife conflict, Big Life’s 10 female rangers are working for a more equitable society in a field dominated by men.

Supporting our rangers, including Constables Tayiana and Ntooki, with stable funding is crucial for safeguarding East Africa's wildlife, habitats, and Maasai communities. Please join our Ranger Club with a monthly contribution to sustain their efforts. Every contribution makes a difference!

New members or those increasing their July donation receive a special gift.  You’ll also enjoy exclusive program updates, 20% off Big Life merchandise in our e-store, and the satisfaction of directly impacting conservation efforts in East Africa. Thank you for your support! Photo: Joshua Clay