2023 was a year of immense growth for Big Life.

The previous year was defined by a devastating drought that stretched our resources thin as we fought to protect the most vulnerable parts of our ecosystem. We succeeded, thanks to the generous support of our donors.

Since then, we have received good rains, and wildlife populations are recovering. The relief that came with the rains has allowed us to redouble our efforts to protect critical habitat areas. At the request of local communities, we are heavily involved in helping to develop land use plans that protect the overall health of the ecosystem. We are also actively working to secure the most heavily-used wildlife migration corridors, protecting them from development via conservation leases. This includes the Nairrabala corridor north of Amboseli National Park, as well as areas in Mbirikani, Kimana and Eselengei.

In the meantime, our ranger teams are expanding and focusing on keeping wildlife and wild lands safe from illegal activity. This includes mitigating human-wildlife conflict, preventing poaching, arresting traffickers, and supporting wildlife rescues. It also means preventing illegal land development and habitat destruction. As always, our rangers are stepping up to the challenges that a changing landscape is handing to us.

In some cases, our success creates new challenges. A thriving lion population is testing the boundaries of our predator protection programs, and despite any setbacks we experienced in 2023, we have come out the other side stronger with renewed commitments from the community for lion conservation. The lion population now numbers more than 250, a dramatic improvement from when we started our Predator Compensation Fund 20 years ago, when there were as few as 20 lions in the ecosystem.

None of our work protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem is possible without you, our donors. Thank for you for helping to keep our boots on the ground and eyes on the horizon.
 
Sincerely,
 
Richard Bonham, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
Craig Millar, Chief Operating Officer
Benson Leyian, Chief Executive Officer
Big Life Kenya

Read the Full 2023 Impact Report

Photo: Jeremy Goss

Kenya’s roads are notoriously dangerous. They claim the lives of thousands of people each year. What is less reported on is the effect they also have on wildlife.

Built in 2007, the Emali-Loitokitok Highway runs through the heart of Big Life’s area of operation (AOO). There are few potholes and almost no speedbumps – and that is a problem. With no restrictions on the speeds cars, trucks, and motorbikes can drive, collisions with wildlife are increasingly common.

We collect data on all wildlife fatalities, including those caused by vehicles, and since 2018, an average of 30 large mammals have been killed each year in our AOO. 2019 was the deadliest year with 49 fatalities. Zebras, giraffes, and gazelles top the list of victims, but rarer species including 3 cheetahs (one of which was killed just last week), a lion, and even shockingly an elephant have also met their end on this road. Hyenas, like the striped hyena in this image, are also common victims, as they are often the ones scavenging from other roadkill. 

There is sadly little we can do to protect wildlife across most of this road, but we have come up with a solution for arguably its most important section.

The Kimana Corridor is the only link between Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary, and the ecosystems beyond towards Chyulu and Tsavo National Parks. The Corridor is crucial for the ecosystem’s migrating wildlife, and it is used by everything from elephants, lions, and giraffes to aardvarks and springhares.

Recognizing its importance, we installed speedbumps on either side of the road that meets the corridor. Since this intervention, we have not recorded a single wildlife mortality in that area, demonstrating that small adjustments are sometimes all that are needed to make a big difference. For the Kimana Corridor at least, are relieved that scenes such as this should never happen again.

Photo: Joshua Clay

One Ton is known for his calm demeanor and celebrity status as one of Africa's dwindling "Super Tuskers." He has captured the hearts of many who have had the privilege of encountering him. His presence at the water holes in the Chyulu Hills, including at Ol Donyo Lodge and the home of Big Life’s co-founder Richard Bonham, is a sight to behold.

Despite his popularity, One Ton has faced his fair share of challenges. In 2021, he was spotted with a severe wound on his neck, likely the result of a fight with another bull elephant – a common occurrence as these mighty males spar for dominance. Thankfully, a swift response from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-funded KWS vet ensured that One Ton received the necessary veterinary care.

Concern for One Ton's wellbeing didn't end there. In 2024, he was once again spotted with a wound on his neck, prompting another urgent call for medical assistance. The vet again quickly responded to administer treatment. The size and depth of the puncture suggested another clash with a fellow bull elephant. While such incidents highlight the challenges faced by elephants in the wild, they also underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals.

Today, One Ton is alive and well, thriving in and around the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. He’s sporting a new crack on one of his majestic tusks, presumably caused in one of the many tussles he’s engaged in.We hope he doesn’t have too big of a toothache, and we’re keeping a close eye on him regardless.

To celebrate One Ton, a new museum-quality print has been released. Based on an original oil painting by Jennifer Delaney, the artwork was inspired by a photograph of One Ton taken by the artist’s aunt, Karen Delaney-Wolverton, who serves on the Board of Directors for Big Life Canada.

The original artwork will be auctioned off to raise funds for Big Life's conservation initiatives.  The prints themselves are available for purchase through Big Life’s e-store.  They have been generously donated, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our vital conservation efforts.
Photo of One Ton: Jeremy Goss

It started as a routine report of a routine sighting: “Three adult male giraffes walking near Ilchalai area at 10:43 am.” Big Life’s rangers call in all animal sightings on patrol, and this was just another record for the database.

Except something was not right. The oxpecker birds were unusually fixated on one of the giraffes.

Injury? Likely. Snare? Too thick. The rangers drove closer to investigate and saw what appeared to be the inner ring of a motorbike tire tight around one of the giraffe’s necks. It was slicing through the skin, and the deepening wound had become a buffet for the oxpeckers.

Immediate intervention was required. The radio call was modified to an emergency alert to the KWS Amboseli vet to remove the tire.

The injured giraffe’s two companions loomed skeptically while our rangers worked with the KWS vet team (who are funded by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) to get the giraffe on the ground, cut its noose, disinfect the wound, and help him back on his feet.

While encouraging to know this wasn’t a snare, the tire was likely thrown onto the giraffe by herders as entertainment. This highly unusual incident underlines the importance of our extensive ranger patrols, which ensure hundreds of pairs of eyes are monitoring every corner of the ecosystem for potential problems and speedy solutions when needed.

As ever, we are grateful to our partners for their speedy response and collaboration in helping to save this giraffe from a slow and painful death.

Photos: Constable Daniel Kutata