African penguins, known for their irregular markings and loud call, are in sharp decline. The species has gone from a population of more than a million at the beginning of the 20th century to being endangered. South African bioscientist Patrick Mafunda is using in-vitro fertilisation to help the species survive.
Recently, a range of publications reported on the documented sighting of the elusive African black leopard in Kenya by biologist Nick Pilfold. Many claimed it was the “first sighting” in a century, thereby discrediting local accounts.
Botswana has been an unparalleled elephant conservation success story. That seems to be changing.
A month after he came to power, Botswana’s Pres Mokgweetsi Masisi disarmed the anti-poaching unit. Recently, 87 elephants were found dead with their tusks removed close to a sanctuary in Botswana. A major crisis looms unless the government takes urgent steps.
Poaching is a blight that has robbed future generations of several species already, including the northern white rhino, of which only two females remain. Tanzania is now using proactive measures such as satellite collaring to save its drastically thinning elephant population
The world mourns the passing of Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, after months of poor health. Sudan leaves behind two females, the only remaining members of the subspecies, taking with him the only chance of propagating the species should medical advancements fail.
Seven Nickelodeon cartoons and a substantial number of films later we are still in awe of Kenya Film and Classification Board head Dr. Ezekiel Mutua’s zero tolerance as he extends his censorship power to Disney’s show Andi Mack and “Gay Lions” in the Maasai Mara.
Meet our hero of the week, Patrick Mwalua, a Kenyan man fighting to save vulnerable wildlife in the country’s drought affected region. Mwalua drives hours every day in the heat to bring water to wild animals in Tsavo National Park as famine continues killing more animals in Kenya’s game reserves. A crowd funding initiative on GoFundMe has been created to help fund the water delivery project. The campaign has raised well over $131,000 so far.
Last week, Rwanda hosted the 12th edition of the annual Mountain Gorilla naming ceremony, known as Kwita Izina. 22 baby gorillas were named at a ceremony attended by president Paul Kagame. The ceremony is a celebration of conservation, and remarkable tourism achievements reflected by the growing population of mountain gorillas.
Mark Zuckerberg has posted some pictures on his Facebook page having a whale of a time, experiencing Kenya’s “amazing natural beauty and wildlife”. The little bit of advertising from one of the world’s most recognizable faces could help boost Kenya’s tourism.
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