Kenya Wildlife Service

Breathing? Check. Water? Splash. Calm? Oh, absolutely. KWS field calm, which is code for “we’re internally screaming but smiling for the camera.” For every KWS Wild Field Edition, the team always if not all the time gets a run for their money, and the recently concluded black rhino ear-notching exercise at Tsavo West National Park was no exception. Picture this: a heavily tranquilized rhino, whose sole mission was to serve science, decided instead to go full drama queen. In its graceful descent into slumber, it somehow wedged itself perfectly between two stubborn tree stems. Naturally, this triggered what can only be described as a high-stakes episode of Extreme Makeover. For in such moment, the team has to think on their feet, turning into impromptu lumberjacks, furiously hacking away at one of the trees to create room for the rhino because comfort is key while the rest held its head up to ensure proper breathing. Meanwhile, our patient, oblivious to the chaos it had caused, looked as majestic as ever between the trees. Can you imagine what was going through the minds of our Vet and Capture team? And through it all, the team maintained that KWS calm, a state where you smile politely while wondering how your job description didn’t quite mention rhino extraction from botanic entanglements. By the time the operation was done, and the rhino free, we surely have one more “iconic” story to tell about #BlackRhinoConservation. #KWSWild #BlackRhino #KWSSuccessStory #WildLifeConservation #EarNotching 📷Irene Ouma

Thrills and challenges of wildlife conservation come vividly alive at Tsavo West National Park, where our Veterinary and Capture Team, alongside other stakeholders, is conducting the crucial exercise of ear-notching and transmitter fitting on black rhinos. Let us call it #WildlifeConservation101." Here, the team works with groggy rhinos slowly recovering from tranquilizers, their ears freshly notched and transmitters securely attached to their bodies.Confused and furious, it is a hulking bundle of unpredictable energy and possibly revenge. In this moment of chaos, the team must rely on their holy trinity of principles: STD -Safety, Teamwork, and Discipline ."Safety," for them often means scrambling onto vehicles or climbing anything available at lightning speed, praying the rhino does not extend its wrath to aerial pursuits. In these exercises teamwork takes center stage when someone yells, “Move faster!” as the rhino, fully awake and driven by pain and indignation, selects its next target be it a person, a vehicle, or a tree. Discipline, of course, is maintaining composure while fleeing for one’s life or trying not to laugh at a colleague stuck halfway up a thorny acacia It is a delicate dance of survival, punctuated by frantic radio calls and a silent prayer that no one missteps. After all, the ultimate goal is to keep both rhino and human in one piece . 📷Irene Ouma #KWSWild #RhinoConservation #ConservationCollaboration #BlackRhino #Wildlife #Teamwork

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has fought tirelessly to bring the population of eastern black rhinos in Kenya to about 90% . The fight continues and as the sole entity mandated to preserve, protect, and conserve the Kenya's wildlife, today we launched a crucial conservation exercise at Tsavo West National Park. Ear notching and equipping black rhinos with advanced surveillance transmitters key measures to enhance capacity to protect this endangered species and reaffirms our dedication to Kenya’s wildlife conservation legacy. 📷Irene Ouma #rhinosconservation #KWSWild #Conservation #ConservationCollaboration

To the world, our green uniform signifies the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), but to our most valuable asset our #wildlife, it represents a safe haven, security, and protection. The animals may lack a voice, yet their actions speak to us in profound ways. During the recently concluded Mwea-Aberdares elephant translocation, the KWS Vet and Capture Teams met an unexpected patient; a Rothschild giraffe, limped toward our team, driven by a silent plea. In pain and distress, it seemed to have recognized that help was near, inching closer to the KWS Vet and Capture Unit vehicle. Probably praying and hoping that they would notice its pain through its pleading eyes, reminder that even without words, wildlife can reach out to us, trusting that the green uniform would mean relief and care. And through every struggling step, the giraffe’s message was clear. Its front limb was swollen, entangled in an uprooted snare, with soft tissue lacerated and infected. The sight of this vulnerable animal seeking aid struck our team deeply. The silent appeal in its eyes reminded us of the bond of trust wildlife places in us, reminding us why we do what we do. This encounter deepened our respect for the intelligence and trust of the creatures we are privileged to protect. This Rothschild giraffe may not have spoken, but its plea reached us louder than any words could. 📷Elizabeth Muthoni #KWSWild #RothschildGiraffe #ConservationCollaboration #GiraffeConservation

Now, who can say no to this? Nature is indeed the most addictive, rewarding, and transformative force. Imagine the peace that comes with a view of birds teeming with life. The air is alive with the songs of countless other birds, creating a symphony that draws nature lovers in. Lake Nakuru Bird Sanctuary is more than just a harbor for birds; it is a rich, vibrant ecosystem where even buffaloes, hippos, and rhinos roam freely, blending naturally into this serene joy. Together, these creatures create a living masterpiece a sanctuary of beauty, balance, and biodiversity. This place needs us. As we go into the weekend, let us remember that wildlife conservation is a collaborative effort, and each of us has a unique role to play. Your voice and actions matter. Be part of the larger conservation community and contribute to something far greater than yourself. Remember, conserving and protecting places like this is more than preserving a habitat; it is a commitment to safeguarding an irreplaceable part of our planet. Surely, is this something we would deny the next generation? The KWS family calls all of us to action this weekend. Let us strive to ensure that future generations stand in awe of these beauties, feeling the same peace, wonder, and love for nature that we feel today. #FridayVibe #KWSWild #ConservationCollaboration #LakeNakuruBirdSanctuary #WildVibes 📷Irene Ouma

Ever heard of the redundancy problem? Well, understanding biodiversity reveals an intricate web of interconnectedness, with each species adapting to thrive in unique ways. Today, we jump start our brains a little bit focus on the octopus's tentacles and the elephant's trunk two marvels of muscular engineering. The octopus's tentacles contain no bones, relying entirely on an astonishing array of over 200 muscles in each limb. These muscles work independently yet harmoniously, allowing an octopus to bend, twist, and grasp with incredible precision and flexibility. It can move in any direction and manipulate objects with ease, demonstrating an adaptability critical for survival in complex underwater environments. This flexibility helps the octopus explore, hunt, and evade predators, showcasing the raw power of biological design through muscle redundancy. On the other hand, an elephant’s trunk holds roughly 40,000 muscles an impressive network that provides both immense strength and delicate control. Unlike the octopus's free-floating appendages, the trunk is an extension of the nose and upper lip, merging strength with an acute sense of smell and touch. Elephants use their trunks to reach for high branches, uproot vegetation, and gently pick up objects as small as a single blade of grass. The trunk's muscle structure grants it versatility and dexterity akin to human hands but with a strength capable of tearing down entire trees. Through these fascinating anatomical adaptations, the octopus and elephant reveal the evolutionary magic of muscles, each tailored to vastly different environments yet achieving similar feats of control and adaptability. What other hydrostatic organ displays these characteristics? 📷🐘Elizabeth Muthoni🐙web #NatureWonders #Conservation #WildlifeFacts #Octopus #Elephants #KWSWild

Tell me, why are you giving me a run for my money? Or is it a test to whether I am physically fit enough to keep up with a herd of elephants? Behind the scenes at the recent Mwea - Aberdares elephant translocation things were different. KWS vets and the capture unit turned into impromptu sprinters, frantically winding to keep these hefty giants from landing on the “wrong side.” Imagine dodging a swinging trunk one moment, then racing to hold up a drowsy elephant as if it is the world’s largest toddler taking its first wobbly steps and racing for safety to avoid being the victim the next second. And, after the mad scramble and some impressive feats of strength picture hoisting a five-ton animal onto a truck like it’s just another day at the office the team did not just pat themselves on the back and call it a day. No, they leant in, inspecting their king-size new travel companions like they had just pulled off a magic trick and needed proof it was not sleight of hand. “Yep, looks like you are breathing!” Let us say, it was less of a wellness check and more of a proud parental moment, as if they needed to confirm the elephants had not noticed the chaos it took to get them there. 📷Elizabeth Muthoni #ConservatioFunMoments #WildExperience #ElephantTranslocation #TheBigFive #SaveTheTuskers #TeamSpirit #ConservationCollaboration Irene Ouma,Obed San,ALLOYS KAZUNGU, MPRSK,Catherine Warui,Isabela Nyabua,Paul Udoto,Dr. Paul Jinaro,Save the Elephants,Mara Elephant Project,Marc Goss,Chris Foot,Dr. Ashif Hafiz,Dr.Paul Mwaura,Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo,Ian Muchina,Brian Mugambi,Brian Bundi,Lekolool ,Dominic Mijele,Ihura Njeri,Alex Toilem,Martin Makau,WildTeam UK,Black Women Photographers,National Parks Conservation Association,African Parks Network,Nation Media Group,MediaMax Network,Royal Media Services Limited

This is a battle where survivors carry the weight of their suffering, serving as a silent cry for help against the dangers of snares. These cruel traps, often intended for smaller animals, pose a grave threat to young elephants, ensnaring their delicate bodies in a merciless grip. Imagine the searing pain as a snare tightens around their vulnerable trunks, causing devastating injuries that can lead to the loss of this vital accessory. The trunk is an elephant's most extraordinary tool used for grasping, feeding, drinking, and communicating. Without it, an elephant's chances of survival plunge. Picture a young elephant struggling to drink, forced to work twice as hard to satisfy its thirst, all while battling the agony of injury. It's akin to someone binding your tongue with wire, leaving you fighting for the ability to speak or eat. The recent Mwea-Aberdares elephant translocation starkly illustrated the harrowing experiences these gentle giants endure in the wild. Many of the translocated baby and sub-adult elephants bore the gruesome scars of snares that had stripped away their trunks, leaving them weak and on the brink of collapse. The heartbreaking sight left our #Veterinary and #Capture teams questioning what it truly takes to preserve our wildlife amid the escalating human-wildlife conflict. A clear call for ‘WE MUST ACT NOW’ to forge sustainable solutions that empower local communities, ensuring their livelihoods do not come at the expense of our wildlife. Together, we can turn this silent cry into a powerful call to action. #Elephant #TheBigFive #Conservationcollaboration #Conservation #KWSWild 📷Elizabeth Muthoni Mohammed Hersi,Save the Elephants,WildTeam UK,Marc Goss,Mara Elephant Project,Irene Ouma,Catherine Warui,Obed San,Isabela Nyabua,Dr. Paul Jinaro,ALLOYS KAZUNGU, MPRSK,Radio Africa Group,National Parks Conservation Association,African Parks Network,Nation Media Group,Royal Media Services Limited,MediaMax Network,Chris Foot,CS Rebecca Miano, EGH,Silvia Museiya, CBS,Wildlife Works ,Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo,Dr. Ashif Hafiz,Dr.Paul Mwaura,Ian Muchina,Brian Mugambi,Ihura Njeri,Lekolool KWS,Ricardo Teixeira,Dominic Mijele,Asuka Takita,Black Women Photographers,Jo Shaw,Erustus Kanga,Helen Gichohi,Peter Fredrick Moll,Tom Silvester,KenGen Kenya,@

Simba akiwa amembeba tembo! 50 of the largest of Kenya’s elephants will now be carried by a new fleet of MAN 33.440 prime movers! Wildlife preservation and management at its best! Kenya Wildlife Service MOBIKEY MAN Truck & Bus East Africa - Mobikey

"Wheeee! Let's check out these cool new digs! Look at all this space we have to frolic in!" 🐘🐘 The landmark translocation of elephants that commenced on 3rd October, was concluded with the capture and movement of eight elephants, bringing it to a total of 54 elephants moved from the Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park, during the 17-day exercise. The success of this intricately planned mission was due to the sheer dedication and teamwork of the leadership and teams on the ground. https://lnkd.in/eWdb_yJy 📹ALLOYS KAZUNGU, MPRSK/KWS #MovingDay #CelebratingSuccess #StrategicPlan #ThankfulThursday Catherine Warui, ALLOYS KAZUNGU, MPRSK, Elizabeth Muthoni, Irene Ouma, Sylvia Migosi, Obed San, Isabela Nyabua, Martin Makau, Alex Toilem, Dr. Paul Jinaro, Paul Udoto, African Parks Network, KenGen Kenya, WildTeam UK, Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo, Dr. Ashif Hafiz, Dominic Mijele, Dr Matthew Mutinda, Ihura Njeri, Ian Muchina, Lekolool KWS, UN Environment Programme, Mara Elephant Project, Marc Goss, Save the Elephants, Chris Foot, Peter Fredrick Moll, Erustus Kanga, Silvia Museiya, CBS, CS Rebecca Miano,EGH