We know it’s not polite to stare, but for this male giraffe we’ll make an exception.

Spotted last week, this individual is remarkable for two reasons other than the obvious: his crooked neck.

Firstly, this is not a new injury. We know this because Phillip Briggs of Lion Guardians photographed him back in 2019. That means this giraffe has been walking around like this for at least six years – and possibly longer.

Secondly, this giraffe appears to be in very good condition despite his wonky upper half, indicating this deformity has not dramatically disadvantaged him.

This is not the only documented case of a giraffe with a wonky neck, but instances like this are still extremely rare. Possible explanations for his condition range everywhere from scoliosis, torticollis, or a nasty fracture.

It’s hard to believe, but across Africa, giraffe populations are declining. Yet here in Amboseli, they are stable. Our holistic approach to community engagement and ecosystem management benefits species like giraffes who suffer from poaching and habitat loss.

Our mission allows individuals like this one to live out their lives as naturally as possible.

Please consider supporting Big Life today and keep giraffes like this unusual fellow protected.

📸: 2019 - Phillip Briggs
📸: 2025 - Joshua Clay

“I have only seen a rhino once. We were on patrol and saw Namunyak (one of the female rhinos) on a hillside. I remember it so well, and ever since that day, they have become my favorite animals.”

Constable Nkidaa Tonkoi (center) lights up when talking about rhinos. He has worked across all corners of the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, but he loves working in the rhino area the most because it’s the region he sees wildlife the most regularly.

Living alongside wild animals also has its challenges, however. Constable Lenku Turere (right) recalls when elephants walked right through their ranger base at night, and another time when they were drinking tea and a pride of lions walked into camp.

“Lions have slept there!” Gesturing to a spot a few meters from their camp’s kitchen. “We could hear them breathing!”

On the left is Constable Kioko Mulwa, one of our rangers with more advanced bush skills and knowledge. He has worked for Big Life for 16 years.  In that time, he has seen enormous changes to the ecosystem. The most notable for him is the increase in wildlife populations, particularly lions and elephants.

“When I first started as a ranger, we would see many cases of ivory poaching, animals killed for meat, and lions speared or poisoned. But now there are so many animals, it’s clear the positive effect that Big Life has had.”

Being a ranger is more than just a job. It’s a way of life.

Together, these three men have spent a total of 30 years as rangers.

They can only do it because of the generosity of supporters like you. By becoming a monthly donor, you create reliable funding rangers like these depend on and continue protecting Greater Amboseli for the generations to come.

📸: Joshua Clay

The distant thud of helicopter blades signaled the final piece falling into place of an extremely complex operation that took weeks of planning. Big Life’s Super Cub airplane was in the sky. Waiting on the ground were four vehicles and a team of professionals from 5 partner organizations.

The weather between July and September is the closest Amboseli gets to winter.

Dull grey clouds blanket the sky, blocking the sun, sapping color from the plains.

Animals become dependent on permanent water sources, plants become devoid of leaves, and everything seems to be existing rather than thriving, waiting for the good times to return.

It’s the “dry” season and is the toughest time of year, not just for wildlife, but for people too, which is reflected in our arrest data.

Our records show that arrest incidents are highest between July and October, averaging 13-15 incidents a month. It’s a time when crops have long since been harvested, and with them, the temporary jobs have disappeared. This prompts some people to commit wildlife crimes as they try to get by.

This July we have made 7 arrests in 5 incidents, slightly lower than average, which could be attributed to the ample rains the ecosystem received in April.

While trends may vary each year, what remains constant is the presence of our ranger teams who patrol this ecosystem every day, ensuring Amboseli’s people and wildlife remain protected year-round.

Please support our rangers by joining our Ranger Club and becoming a monthly donor. Your reliable funding keeps them in the field throughout the year.

📸: Pie Aerts Photography