CONSERVATION PARTNERS
Our Conservation Partners are the heart of our mission, using the funds we raise to make a tangible difference for Kenyan wildlife. We are immensely grateful for their dedication and impactful work protecting endangered species and preserving their habitats. Their commitment to conservation inspires us all, and we’re proud to support their vital efforts.
MARA elephant project
Mara Elephant Project (MEP) was established in 2011 with the mission of protecting elephants and their habitats across the Greater Mara Ecosystem (GME). Our vision is to see a stable and healthy elephant population coexisting peacefully with people.
During Mara Elephant Project’s (MEP) first decade as an emerging conservation organization, we focused on directly protecting elephants and their habitats. Our foundation has four cornerstones: investing in passionate Kenyans who are looking for life-long careers in conservation; innovating and collaborating across sectors to address conservation challenges; protecting elephants that are a landscape indicator species; and protecting the Greater Mara Ecosystem (GME) because it is a critical landscape for large ungulates in Africa and an important contributor to the economy.
In the short term, MEP works alongside farmers to mitigate conflict with our boots-on-the-ground ranger teams. MEP leads the training program for rangers and the deployment of innovative equipment like drones to mitigate conflict. MEP is considered the leader in using satellite collars on elephants to inform conflict response.
In the long term, elephant movement data and landscape mapping when partnered with technology demonstrate how landscape changes affect wildlife. To inform more sustainable approaches to conflict, MEP partnered with local communities in applying in-house research on non-palatable crops to influence approaches to farming and attitudes toward wildlife. We conduct long-term monitoring of the 2,600 resident elephants to understand habitat preference and identify conflict related injuries to engage partners for veterinary interventions. All of these efforts support our vision to see the existence of a stable and healthy elephant population coexisting peacefully with people. Our legacy is the incubation model offered to emerging organizations to provide the support needed to positively impact the planet.
the pangolin project
The Pangolin Project (TPP) protects pangolins and their vital habitats by securing land in biodiversity-rich areas and involving local communities in sustainable conservation. Our dedicated, local team acts as a crucial link between people, pangolins, and the planet, ensuring these endangered species and their ecosystems are preserved. TPP focuses on areas that might otherwise go unprotected, safeguarding the future of pangolins and the natural world.
The impact of our work extends far beyond protecting pangolins—it safeguards one of the most biodiverse regions in the Mara Ecosystem and preserves its critical role in local climate regulation. Through our expanded efforts in Nyekweri Forest, The Pangolin Project is securing and restoring 25,000 acres of vital habitat, addressing threats like deforestation and electric fencing, and empowering a community-led conservation model. Together, we are creating a sanctuary for the Giant Pangolin and countless other species while ensuring a legacy of resilience and biodiversity for generations to come.
The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust
Our mission is to secure healthy raptor populations in Kenya. To achieve this we need to protect critical raptor habitats, manage and restore raptor populations and educate people on the value and importance of raptors.
Our programs and areas of work include:
- Rescue and Rehabilitation – each year our Centres (based in Naivasha, with partner centres on Soysambu Conservancy and Watamu) receive dozens of injured, sick or poisoned raptors. Our teams of dedicated staff and vets rehabilitate these birds, and where possible, release those that are capable, back into the wild – Education and Awareness – our centres hold collections of non releasable raptors that are valuable educational ambassadors, and help to highlight the plight that this diverse group of birds face. All of our centres and partner bases are open to public visitation and school groups
- Research and Monitoring – the Trust also manages two research and monitoring projects: the Mara Raptor Project, that aims to record and monitor the progress of hundreds of active nest sites in the greater Mara ecosystem, and the Kwenia Vulture Sanctuary – the only dedicated conservancy that protects one of the largest ruppell’s Vulture nest colonies in the country.
- Raptor Conservation Management – this involves habitat restoration and improvement by constructing artificial nest sites for raptors, reintroduction and augmentation of species through captive breeding and other techniques to increase raptor diversity and density.
- Anti-poisoning Campaigns – intentional and unintentional poisoning of raptors remains a large threat to vultures and large eagles, and the Trust is very active in areas where this occurs, but responding to poisoning events, and educating the public on the usefulness of these birds, and the harm of using poisons.
the elephant queen trust
The Elephant Queen Outreach program (TEQ Outreach) is a dynamic conservation education program using film, theatre, music, puppetry and dance to nurture human-wildlife coexistence in Kenya.. Based on the multi- award winning film, The Elephant Queen, the Outreach programme has been on a nationwide journey since 2021, prioritising schools and communities around conservation areas for whom human-wildlife conflict is a reality.
In collaboration with over 50 conservation and civic organisations across the country, the program has reached more than 135,000 people in hundreds of communities and schools, inspiring a curiosity and appreciation of wildlife and wild spaces, celebrating biodiversity, catalysing conversations around human wildlife coexistence and inspiring an appreciation of Kenya’s extraordinary natural heritage, particularly amongst children.
With the successful completion of Phase I and a ground breaking nationwide circuit, The Elephant Queen Outreach Program is poised to launch an ambitious Phase II in early 2025.
the grevy's zebra trust
The Grevy's Zebra Trust (GZT) is a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting the endangered Grevy's zebra, with less than 3,000 remaining in the wild. Established in 2007, GZT operates primarily in northern Kenya, where the majority of these zebras reside. The organisation’s mission is centred on not just protecting Grevy’s zebras but also ensuring their long-term survival through a holistic approach that integrates community involvement, scientific research, and innovative conservation strategies.
A cornerstone of GZT’s work is its collaboration with local pastoralist communities. The Grevy’s zebra shares its habitat with these communities, whose livelihoods are deeply connected to the land. Recognizing this, GZT works to implement regenerative grazing practices that benefit both Grevy’s zebra and the people. By promoting sustainable land management, GZT helps ensure that the rangelands remain healthy, providing the necessary habitat for Grevy’s zebra while also supporting the pastoralists’ livestock.
GZT’s initiatives are diverse, encompassing everything from monitoring and research to crisis interventions and education. A key component of their work is the Grevy’s Zebra Scouts program, which employs community members to monitor the zebra populations, track their movements, and report on any threats, such as poaching or habitat degradation. These scouts play a critical role in collecting data that informs GZT’s conservation strategies.
Overall, the work of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust exemplifies a holistic approach to conservation that integrates scientific research, community involvement, and sustainable practices. This model not only helps protect the endangered Grevy’s zebra but also promotes the long-term health and resilience of the ecosystems and communities that share their habitat.
ewaso lions
Ensuring a future for Kenya’s lions & other large carnivores through community-led conservation
Ewaso Lions is dedicated to conserving lions and other large carnivores by promoting continued coexistence between people and wildlife. We are an independent 100% Kenyan wildlife conservation organisation based in northern Kenya which engages and builds the capacity of key demographic groups (warriors, women, elders and children) by developing approaches to reduce human-carnivore conflict. We conduct applied research and work with our communities to address ecological problems. We carry out educational initiatives to reinforce traditionally held beliefs and the evolving culture of wildlife conservation across the landscape.
