The Chaircat’s Blog

The call of the Kenya Wildlife Service reached us at 6.30 a.m. - three Hartebeest, commonly also known by their melodic Swahili name Kongoni, will be arriving at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy within the hour. These are no ordinary Hartebeest, however. They are Lelwel or more commonly known as Mount Kenya Hartebeest, a subspecies quite rare these days.

The Hartebeest is often referred to as the clown of the plains. We like to think the Mount Kenya Hartebeest are much prettier, both in their more russet colour and their longer horns placed close together giving the animal a fashionable slender appearance.

One month of careful preparation for this special moment is coming to an end as the safari-green truck is winding its way across the grassy plains of our Conservancy. Three of these rare creatures already live at the Conservancy. They were rescued in unrelated incidences some time ago.

Here on the slopes of mighty Mount Kenya, these six beautiful creatures unite for the first time., one step closer to the goal of breeding them to prevent extinction. We mark the occasion with a new story for you, one that began at a ranch not far from here.

Early in 2008, the bush drums could be heard loud and clear: “Solio”, a 60,000-acre cattle and wildlife ranch in Kenya’s Rift Valley, allocated 15,000 acres of its land to the government to help them with re-settlement of refugees and other landless people.

The news was significant. Suddenly, the refuge for seven of Kenya’s most popular species of wildlife had become a potential target for poaching. The task at hand was enormous - nearly 3,000 animals urgently needed relocating to national parks and/or private land across Kenya.

Amongst those, and particularly endangered, were a number of Lelwel Hartebeest. Three of these long-legged antelopes easily recognisable by their unique narrow head have now found a safe haven at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy to join 3 others already in residence there.

Their relocation to our Conservancy recognises our continuous commitment to conserving Kenya’s precious wildlife and gives our resident Hartebeest ladies the chance to produce much longed for offspring. Watch this space for our first baby news!!

In the meantime, why not become a fan of our six original Kongoni? How? Find out here

Wildfires are known to be one of nature’s most destructive forces but is the charred and lifeless vegetation that remains a poignant ending or a fascinating new beginning?

Miraculously, a brilliant spectrum of colours can be seen from afar within weeks. Hundreds of species of wild flowers and plants have reappeared on Mount Kenya dispersed by wildlife and birds, one dazzling colour fading into another.

Deep-blue Gentians compete with rocket-shaped Red-Hot Poker. The pale yellow flowers of the Sugar Bush shake hands with red-coloured African Gladiola. Erica, radiant in pink, add yet another shade, and dwarf shrubs and tussock grasses have made a home in gaps neglected by pole-like Giant Lobelia.

The recent fires have swept across the grasslands so rapidly that many deeper running plant roots have been left undamaged. Exposed to sunlight interrupted by periods of rain, the mineral-rich soil now offers ideal conditions for dormant seeds to germinate and grow.

A new floral generation has painted an incredible picture that truly tells a thousand words.

Did you know that magnificent Mount Kenya is a World Heritage Site?

A week ago: When the silhouette of Mount Kenya appeared against the soaring flames of extensive wildfires on the mountain it became clear that mother nature was being brought to her knees.

Simultaneously, eight other forests in Kenya were burning ferociously destroying over 70,000 acres of forest, a damage estimated at over $ 4 million. No-one could put a value on the potential loss of some of the world’s most endangered species.

Weeks of hot weather without rain had parched the vegetation, easy food for hungry blazes that were being hurried along by strong winds. In most cases, signs pointed towards illegal charcoal-burners and beekeepers as the cause of the fires.

Unbeknown to us at that time: the moorlands above Kenya’s last indigenous forest would be ablaze for another 6 days before finally burning out. The fires severely threatened the homes of elephants, leopards, antelopes and countless other animals. Many of the mountain’s white zebras were bred and born at our Conservancy and released into the seemingly invincible wilderness.

The combined forces of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Forest Service, local communities and our own team ensured that man and beast on the slopes of Mount Kenya stayed out of harm’s way at all times.

While a truly spectacular sight at night, the fires are a vivid reminder of the volatile nature of Kenya’s most important watersheds. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy together with our William Holden Education Center aims to prevent this through ongoing education of all the surrounding communities.

January 2004 in retrospect: The BBC amongst other reputed television networks reports the return of 20 of Africa’s rarest and most elusive antelope, the Mountain Bongo, to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

5 years on - January 2009: In anticipation of a first wilderness release later this year, a BBC film crew has returned to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy to film Mountain Bongo for a 3-part natural history series about Kenya. As the film rolls, we follow the crew around with our own camera and bear witness to a very special reunion.

It’s 6.30 in the morning. Whilst guests at the adjacent Mount Kenya Safari Club are still sleeping, our Wildlife Officer Fundi is directing a dark green Land Cruiser across the Conservancy, many pairs of eyes on us. Initially, we were reluctant to allow visitors into this remote forest area where our bongo are being conditioned to survive in the wild without any human interference.

Years ago, Mount Kenya was home to numerous herds of Mountain Bongo. Since 1995, none have been sighted on Mount Kenya. They may be have become extinct due to population pressure and pursuant poaching in the National Park, brought under control only recently.

The BBC and Kenyan film crew understand the sensitive nature of this endangered species. They come to highlight the many years of preservation and captive breeding at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and to increase public awareness of the ongoing efforts to re-establish the bongo in its natural habitat.

As President Obama’s daughter Sasha is making her first steps in the spotlight, her namesake at our Conservancy is getting her own first taste of fame. Unsure of the lens pointed at her, she carefully circles the camera. Its highly experienced operator is so unobtrusive that mother “Miss Kenya” continues to graze within an arm length of him. A bongo with her newborn calf, in the distance, the sun is rising over Mount Kenya - a vision that has motivated us throughout the years has become a reality.

Lead by Fundi, we follow the film team deeper into the forest where the steep terrain and dense undergrowth make progress difficult. Here, only trained eyes can make out the camouflaged coat of the bongo whose white stripes resemble streaks of sunlight breaking through the bush.

Despite expert tracking, patient waiting and a powerful zoom lens, some of the bongo remain invisible. Never before have bongo been filmed in their natural habitat. Our efforts to turn captive born bongo back into wild animals appear to have born success – this first group of bongo earmarked for release already avoids human contact and seems ready for the last stage of their rehabilitation back to the wild.

5 years have past since the BBC’s first filming, a journey that has seen our initial small herd of bongo increase to 62. More than 43,000 Kenyan students have since seen this magnificent antelope and learned that the survival of this unique and rare species lies in their hands.

Bongo will continue to fascinate anyone who has ever laid eyes on them. Hopefully in the near future they will once again roam the land of their ancestors. Shy and elusive but their sightings will be rare. Meanwhile Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage continues to offer visitors the opportunity to view younger animals bred there and destined for future releases.

Adoption Program

As the ardent Kenya lover knows, the country that straddles the equator enjoys distinct seasons influenced by the monsoon - two wet and two dry periods.

During the course of the year, the monsoon’s low pressure belt moves between its northernmost point over Arabia and its southernmost point over Zambia. As it travels between these two extremes, the low pressure belt passes over Mount Kenya between Mid-March and June, then again from October to December dispensing much needed rain.

In January and February, however, while the low pressure area is situated over its southern extreme, it drives predominantly north-easterly winds across Mount Kenya. Unable to carry along moist air from the Indian Ocean, it results in the lowest rainfall of the year.

The green pastures of our conservancy, home to some 1,500 animals, give way to dry grass. Even the smallest uneaten leaf is longing for the occasion drop of rain, a mere 37 millimeters last month.

The dry seasons at Mount Kenya follow the same rites of passage -  cool nights reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit give way to steadily rising temperatures reaching their peak, 85 degrees Fahrenheit, by noon. By then, the morning dew has been consumed by the merciless rays of the sun.

Famous botanist Olov Hedberg has given this fluctuation in temperatures the aphorism “winter every night and summer every day.”

On Saturday afternoon, however, we were treated to a spectacle of a very special kind. As the clouds wrapped themselves around Mount Kenya unusually low, all eyes turned skyward in anticipation of much needed rain. Slowly at first, it arrived in big drops sweeping over man and beast. It flowed downhill in little trickles forming puddles that the thirsty soil drunk greedily.

At any time of the year, precipitation is vital to the survival of Mount Kenya’s fauna and flora. Lacking it, the wildlife at our Conservancy relies on its caregivers to supplement the daily food ratio with expensive hay. Sadly, the rising demand has resulted in a simultaneous increase in cost and, once again, we turn to you, our loyal friends for support.

As if to remind us of her presence, the sun soon peeked through the clouds. 2 hours after the rain had started, nature treated us to a spectacular rainbow.

We are hopeful that the subtle green that has appeared within hours of the rain means renewed life in the weeks to come and so we continue to search for rain clouds over Mount Kenya.

Please will you consider making a donation towards food for the animals in our care? The following link will guide you: www.animalorphanagekenya.org/donate

Not long ago, our much-respected Chaircat Duma Duke discovered a look-alike of one of the Animal Orphanage’s residents in a photo from faraway North America. A critter gone astray?

Always a devoted reporter, he decided to investigate himself and soon the news broke - Duma Duke is traveling. …and the tittle-tattle from Mount Kenya, the voices of Africa?

7,000 miles from home, our farseeing Chaircat lent his desk to his trusted friends who ensure that the bush drums continue. Here are some interesting news that just reached us from wintry America:

The critter looking so much like his African friend, the Reedbuck, introduced herself to Duma Duke as a member of the extensive Whitetail Deer Family.

North American Whitetail Deer

Back in Africa, the land of antelopes to which the Reedbuck belongs, a deer is little known so how would you tell them apart? Our curious Chaircat finds the answer surprisingly simple: through their imposing headgear.

African Reedbuck

You see, antelopes call theirs horns. Most females except in Reedbucks and all males carry these permanently. This mostly hollow structure consists of keratin, similar to fingernails. It grows as a single beam from its base up and out forming interestingly twisted shapes.

Our look-alike, the deer, carries antlers, a solid bony appendage of his skull growing from the tips up. Very few females have this privilege. This unusual and often multi-branched formation is shed every winter and re-grows from late spring to be ready for the next mating season.

…but some deer are called “buck”? Bamboozled! It’s merely a name given to the male deer of North America. Without its antlers, the temporarily bareheaded Whitetail Deer only reminded Duma Duke of his young Reedbuck friend at Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage.

Young African Reedbuck

Travel with open eyes and you will become a scholar - with this old Swahili saying in mind, our devoted Chaircat continues his travels.

A great New Years gift awaited us on January first:
Bongo mother ‘Baraka’ gave birth to a healthy female calf during the night.

Mother Baraka (Kiswahili for BLESSING) was one of the first group of bongo calves born to the ‘native American’ mothers that were returned to Kenya.

Four days into 2009 another little ‘girl ‘ bongo joined her. Her mother carries the proud name “Miss Kenya,” first born on Kenyan soil of American Heritage!!

All of us here take great pride in naming the two new bongo after two other delightful young girls of true Kenyan heritage that have made world news lately:
Malia and Sasha, the charming young daughters of President Barack Obama.
These are photos of Malia:

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Malia Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Malia Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Malia Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Malia Obama.

These are photos of Sasha:

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Sasha Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Sasha Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Sasha Obama.

Newborn Mountain Bongo Antelope named for Sasha Obama.

Photos by long time Conservancy supporter Jane McKeand who was there just after the two “girls” made their entrance into the world!

Breeding during 2008 has brought our entire herd up to 62 animals. This constitutes the largest bongo herd anywhere in the world. Although this is an impressive number. Last year the bongo have produced predominantly male calves, no less beautiful but not as desirable when it comes to breeding programs.

The arrival of the two pretty female calves signifies “the change” we were hoping for and what more apt names then Malia and Sasha.

All through the recent hardships our country Kenya has remained committed to conservation of the mountain bongo.

Very soon now we hope to return the first group of Mountain bongo to their original habitat on Mount Kenya where they have become extinct. This will be the “world premiere” of a release back to the wild of any mountain antelope, ever!

With your help we hope to make the first release a reality this “year of change” to celebrate conservation as a global affair and the African-American cooperation as a shining example of what is possible if we all believe.

Your participation and help is crucial. Donations of money help with food for the Bongo breeding group (now numbering 64!). We also have to find funds to pay the dedicated staff that insure their well being. Then there are the VET bills, fencing and maintenance of breeding areas, patrol cars and petrol for anti poaching and the list goes on!!

You could also participate/help by spreading the word to your friends. Maybe Your company would like to place an ad on our blog? Maybe you know of a fund that would be interested in supporting the Conservancy’s work with a grant? Remember it is all about the future of our planet for us, and generations to come.

To find out how your donation can help Contact Jane at the Conservancy.

adoption.animalorphanagekenya.org

Here’s a video of Killer Whales vs. a Penguin.

See if you can guess which side wins?

We waited a little longer to be sure:

Big Mama, our record-horn Rhino has recovered well from her gunshot wound.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vets decided against removing the bullet at this time to give her time to recover from the shock of the ordeal.

Although KWS recommended the horn be cut off to remove the temptation it poses to would-be poachers, we have not done so. We feel that the culprits must be prosecuted and punished as a deterrent.

Justice as always takes its time. Two suspects have been charged but are out on bail.
Meanwhile the Rhinos remain under heavy guard.

The episode caught us “on Safari” in the U.S., but we are now on our way home to make sure all possible is done to have a positive outcome.

More Rhino pictures soon.

Last night an attempted murder took place on the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

A gang came in shortly after midnight and fired some shots.

The Conservancy’s security force acted swiftly. Within minutes Peter Fundi the Orphanage’s superintendent (who sleeps in the Orphanage “just in case”) was first on the scene. After securing the immediate surroundings and making sure none of our men were hurt, his next move was to check on our pair of Rhinoceros.

The Rhino Big Mama has been shot and slightly wounded

Rhino as you probably know are an endangered species. They are hunted for their horn which brings thousands of $$$$$ when exported to the East where they may become dagger handles or ground into “medicine” said to have aphrodisiac powers.

This is precisely why we have trained our pair, although they are wild and free ranging by day, at night they are rewarded with sugarcane when they return to their “safe-house.” This is a corral opposite the Orphanage and close to our security force. Fundi had last checked on them before retiring late that night and all was well.

The Rhino had vanished. So had whoever fired the shots.

Meanwhile, Bunge, the Wildlife Manager and David McConnell who heads our Wildlife Education Center had joined Fundi and the men in a search across the Ranch. They had to be careful as they knew they could now be the assassins targets. Several hours went by. Finally the brave men managed to locate the two precious animals, even in the darkness of the African bush. They had traveled some distance, but to everyone’s relief, they appeared to be safe and sound. Although confused and refusing to go back to the scene of the attack, at least they were alive.

Our men were joined by armed scouts from the Kenya Wildlife Service. One group stayed in the bush guarding the bewildered animals for the remainder of the night.

Help from a neighboring farm had by now arrived. They brought with them their team of trained bloodhounds and handlers.

The dogs were given the scent of the still fresh footprints of the gang near the Rhino corral. Led by Bunge the team followed the eager dogs. They ran towards the forest and then uphill on the heavily forested mountain slopes. The dogs did not tire until they had found a group of people huddled up at a place called Ontuleli several hours later.

Police were called in and took away the suspects who carried a rifle, a G3.

Meanwhile David McConnell, the head of our Wildlife Education Center went to check on the Rhino at first light. Although they appeared to be okay, in the early morning light he was able to see that one, the female, hat a gunshot wound in her shoulder. She did not appear to be in any pain.

Don Hunt, traveling overseas for medical treatment was swiftly contacted and has been on the phone ever since. Under his direction security has been further tightened.

Eventually the animals calmed and could be persuaded to return to their corral, following the keepers whom they know and trust. Tomorrow the female Rhino will be immobilized and removal of the bullet will be attempted by the vets.

That’s all we know for now folks. The Kenya Police will establish if the bullets matches the suspects rifle. Meanwhile they are doing their own investigations to establish who may be behind all this. Let us hope that this time the culprits will end up behind bars and further tragedies can be averted.

Don and I would like to thank all involved for their dedication and swift and brave response. Without their help these Rhino might have become yet another poaching statistic.

Watch this space for more news when we have some.

All the world is fascinated with the competitive American elections.

Sen. Obama has nothing to fear from African tigers

For the very first time an African American is the nominee for the democratic party: Senator Barack Obama. Kenya is a-buzz with speculation, discussion and bets. After all, Obama’s Dad was a genuine Kenyan, in fact, his Grandma still lives in a village in Western Kenya.

Many of us here follow every bit of news we can get, so we came across an article written by one Nancy Benac, (Associate Press Writer) that is making its appearance in newspapers this week. In it she compares the decorative aspect of the offices of the two nominated candidates. We are informed Obama’s office has “a fresh clean look to it,” “carefully choreographed” with “not many knick-knacks.” The accompanying photograph shows a side table with a good old fashioned “Rungu” on it.

Ms. Benac, the Associated Press Writer identifies it as a “tiger-beating stick from his grandmothers village in Kenya.” Why would they have a “tiger beating stick” in a village in western Kenya? Hardly!

It reminds me of a public notice I saw in a government office in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1965, that announced that the hunting and killing of tigers was strictly forbidden under the laws of Somalia. It proved to be the only law that was never violated there.
Why? There are no tigers in Somalia to hunt, not any more than there are tigers in Kenya.

There are no tigers, never were, on the African continent Ms. Benac. Tigers belong to that other mass of land to the east, remember?

As for the rungu in the good Senator’s office: It’s a traditional African weapon, a throwing club traditionally cut from hardwood bushes or roots that have especially strong knots. It is probably mostly seen used by the warriors of the colorful Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania. No self respecting traditional pastoralist would be caught out in the bush without one, it has so many uses in self defense (bar tiger beating) and hunting, even lion hunting although the Maasai possess more suitable and lethal home made weapons for this pursuit. Young boys training to be warriors have rungu throwing competitions until they become so proficient that they can hit small object such as a small mammal or bird at great distance.

But there is another equally important function for the rungu. It is a ceremonial status symbol giving the bearer the aura of great importance. (Past President Moi of Kenya carried one made of ivory and gold wherever he went). The rungu is often given in honor to a speaker of great importance as a sign of respect. Which is probably why Senator Obama received one in his Grandma’s home village when he visited there some time ago. Kenyans are proud that it has a place of honor in his office. If the rungu does make it to the White House… we hope NOT as a “tiger beating tool”!!

Today we woke to the grisly news that an American Tourist had been stabbed to death on the streets of Beijing. He was there for the Olympics, strolling down the street with friends. Had it happened elsewhere in the world the news would surely not have traveled so fast.

William Holden with Don Hunt”

Another day, another time: Peking in the late 1960’s. Our friend Bill Holden had been waiting anxiously to obtain a visa to see China for years. At this early stage only his fame and his impeccable reputation for honest reporting had persuaded the Chinese authorities to grant a visit. He and his traveling companion were to be accompanied by one of their official guides throughout his visit. Furthermore the route that wanted to take was denied. He was ordered to visit only certain sites as seen fit by the then government there.

Still, Bill thought it would be a start, to break the ice. Surely, he thought, once there he could charm his way into their hearts and he would at least get a glimpse at the real China. But it was not to be.

The guide was cautious to answer questions and the virtual curtain imposed could not be parted to reveal what he knew must lie beyond. On his last day in Peking, one last walk, one last attempt at breaking the barrier, suddenly a man appeared in front of them and with lightening speed stabbed Bill in the chest. The guide jumped to shield Bill’s companion. As Bill felt the sudden blood warm his chest coloring his shirt crimson the would be assassin was caught by guards appearing from nowhere and led away swiftly. All of it happed so fast that Bill’s companion was hardly aware what had happened.

There was no panic. Bill noticed the few Chinese on the street rapidly disappearing as if a silent command had directed them to do so. Then he himself was whisked away to hospital.

The diagnosis confirmed what he already felt: No vital organ had been hit. What he did not know was the extend of his luck as the blade had missed its target by millimeters.

Police and officialdom arrived to question and brief the traveler about this unfortunate incident. The Chinese did not give away what bothered them most, the life almost lost or public embarrassment and its consequences. Bill refused to press charges. He was not given any idea who the culprit was or what may have motivated him. In fact nothing more was ever heard of the man.

As for Bill, wound bandaged he returned to Hong Kong the next morning as scheduled.

As the purposely inflicted injury healed Bill never saw himself as a victim nor did he bear any kind of grudge. The one thing that bothered him for the rest of his life was that he was never able to find out what the possible motivation could have been behind deviltry.

When news leaked out he was questioned by the U.S. State department for details.

He begged them not to make a mountain of what he considered a molehill as he felt any charge would stand in the way of a freer China that he believed was surely to come.

Soon after Bill joined us in Kenya where we were busy planning the future of the newly established Mount Kenya Game Ranch. Making his way through the Far East he rescued two Gibbons that had been confiscated from poachers. He felt they reminded him of the most beautiful poetic pair in the world and promptly named them “Margo and Rudi” after the world famous ballet dancers Margot Fontaine and Rudolf Nuriyev.

Margo and Rudi lived with Bill for a while and then he turned them over to my care and they were amongst the first inhabitants at the Orphanage. But that’s another story.

(Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the recent stabbing victim in Beijing)

That’s another totally amazing footage.

We used to hear, over the years stories often told by the old game wardens and the white hunters, over campfire drinks. Then, the next morning nobody was clear if it was the African magic or the drink, but could what we heard really have happened that way?

But then, if you read old books written by colonial officers giving otherwise not so exciting accounts of their years spent “taming the wilderness,” you can also find such stories. Of course, no one ever had a camera ready at such moments, only one’s photographic mind graced by more or less fantasy.

Nowadays the naturalist gets a grant to lay in waiting with the latest equipment at the ready to record odd moments. But as mankind evolves, so must the animals change with circumstance. When game was plentiful, easy to stalk, would the leopard have bothered with a crocodile? I would love to have seen the rest of the story!

10 May 2008 – Ajabu’s big day. In the lush surroundings of her beautiful forest home at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, she has chosen this day for the arrival of her firstborn.

Nature sees to it that, instinctively, mother and young will always find each other but how do we, their human caretakers, tell them apart, you might ask? Is it their horns – beautifully long or sometimes not yet visible? Does their coat set them apart – a whole palette of an enthusiastic painter? Do the stripes give them away? Well, it is a combination of these features that give every one of our protégées their unique identity.

Our Wildlife Officer Fundi has opened the family album for you promising to make you a Bongo expert.

STRIPES
Bongo have between 8 to 14 vertical white stripes on either side. The Bongo in the picture seem to look identical. However, the keen observer may have spotted 12 stripes on the right bongo and only 11 on the left, an important clue…. but how do we distinguish bongo with the same number of stripes? Have you noticed that the first stripe on the right bongo is barely visible whilst the second and third stripe on the left bongo cross half way? There you are!

HORNS
All bongo grow ivory tipped horns that may reach up to 40 inches. In young bongo, these are not yet visible and only develop with age. Let’s look at the pictures. The horns twist at the same angle but do you notice the difference? Well spotted, the horns of the bongo on the left almost seem to touch whilst the horns on the right bongo leave a wide gap. Perhaps, as the horns grow, these too will touch one day but as with all features, no set of horns is alike. Of course once you know your bongo family, you can easily recognize them from their facial features as well – just see how different these two are!

COLOR
Ranging from the lightest chestnut to the deepest russet, bongo are easily identifiable by their brilliant coat darkening with age in males. An artist’s dream, the color nuances are seemingly endless. Do you notice the color of the young bongo on the right being much lighter than that of her mother on the left? When fully grown, the size may no longer be an indicator. The different shades of brown will forever be a “telltale.”

SIZE
The largest of the forest antelopes, the average bongo weighs up to 400 kilos and reaches a height of up to 4 feet. Couldn’t the two adorable bongo toddlers in the picture be twins – their coats almost identical? Their stripes? Hard to count, aren’t they? If it wasn’t for their different build no one could tell that the Bongo on the left is 4 months older than its cousin. There you are, another hint!

Now that you have mastered the art of telling our bongo family apart, we’ll let you in on a little secret: Ajabu’s girl may darken in colour, she will grow magnificent horns, but she will always carry the name she is waiting for you to give her.

Become one of the privileged few to give the offspring of this rare antelope family a name registered in the International Bongo Studbook and be part of her incredible journey through photos and regular updates?

Are you ready to name “your” girl? This link will make you her guardian angel:

adoption.animalorphanagekenya.org

For more news on our very successful Bongo Repatriation Program visit this link: bongo.animalorphanagekenya.org or this blog for regular updates.

I didn’t want to tell you, at first, about the little bundle of bones the local senior game warden placed in our care about two weeks ago.

He had received word from a (northern) Maasai that a zebra foal had followed his cows into his “manyatta” (a Maasai traditional homestead). The Maasai people are known for their benevolent ability to respect wildlife, sharing what little grazing there is for their live stock with zebras and other wild grazers and tolerating even the king of beasts, the lion on their turf.

The Maasai herdsman narrated the story, how only 2 days ago he had witnessed 2 lionesses making a kill of a zebra mare. Then, “the king” male lion who had been observing from a distance, claimed his right to feast first on the still warm and twitching Zebra, with the lionesses dutifully waiting their turn.

The whole commotion of the chase of course had totally unsettled his herd of cows who had fled in panic in every direction.

Unnoticed in the excitement, a zebra foal no more than two days old, had been swept up in the flight of the cows. Unable to locate her slain mother the confused little foal had followed the cows as they gathered for the trek home. Once united with their herdsman they entered the manyatta, a safe enclosure giving them protection from the predators at night. That’s when the odd one out was first noticed, now feeling quite safe amongst the warm assuring bodies of other larger animals even though they did not have stripes on their pelts. The Maasai herdsman just left the little one there and went to consult with the elders. When it was time to milk the cows, a little was spilled on a hollow stone for the foal who, following the lead of the calves, licked it up.

Left to chance, the foal might even have leaned to nurse from a cow if that had been permitted. But the council of elders decided it was better to send a message to the Government Game Warden than risk being accused of having killed the mother themselves.

Another day had passed before the familiar green land rover appeared and game scouts swiftly grabbed the foal and, holding it in their arms for the long journey back across the plains, finally delivered it to Fundi at our animal orphanage.

Domestic motherless foals are difficult to rear under any circumstances, let alone wild striped ones. Muraya, one of our animal attendants, offered to find donkey milk in the village, although I wondered what donkey would let you milk her! He of course returned empty handed (and bruised!!). Fundi agreed to “donate” his sleep for the first ten days to fed the little one on our special formula in a nursing bottle throughout the days and nights.

So far all the fuss and care has paid off: now, 2 weeks later, our foal has gained a little weight, getting stronger each day and with it boosts our hopes for its survival.

“Helping” of course is the never tiring “Chucky” the mini hog, and Bella the little buffalo, who, by example, has persuaded the foal to try some alfalfa leaves.

Each night these three unmatched creatures cuddle up together, having made their choice from all the other orphans around them.

Nature certainly has its ways to adapt and insure survival when the need is greatest.

Your help and support is indispensable for the continued success of the rehabilitation to the wild programs of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and animal orphanage.

“Striped Velvet” can be adopted, even named: click here for details:

adoption.animalorphanagekenya.org

These are some of the latest youngsters born to the resident herd of Bongo bred at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

Only separated by a few months in age, these young animals have formed a friendship that will last for life.

As seen here, only one “teenage” female is “in charge.” While the mothers browse in relative peace nearby, the young play and romp as they should. Only previously seen in eland and impala, it is amazing that bongo will adopt the same (sensible) system. Because of the impenetrable forest that wild bongo once populated on Mount Kenya, very little of their behaviour was known until they could be studied in their semi-wild environment of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

Bongo bred at the Conservancy are earmarked for future release on Mount Kenya their ancestral home. Watch this space for updates.

If you would like to become part of this exiting and unique conservation project with your donation, click here:

Help support the Wildlife Conservancy

For more details of the Bongo rehabilitation back to the wild program click here:

Bongo Updates

I don’t know if this means anything, but for us, April has been the “month of the pig.”

No sooner had young Chucky settled in, another came along.

This one is a 3 months old bush pig. The medium size one amongst the three wild pigs found in Kenya. The largest, of course you knew, is the elusive giant forest hog.

This little piggy was actually found by our equestrian amazon friend Rose Caldwell.

On one of her daily outings on the slopes of Mount Kenya her horse shied away from some crows busy picking at ’something’ in a ditch. Rose moved closer only to discover a tiny newborn and terrified piglet about to be assassinated by the crows sharp beaks.

She managed to scoop it up just in time and walked it back to the safety of their farm house. It would be unusual for crows to go after a bushpig even a small one but, trapped as it was in a ditch they saw their chance. No one knows what happened to “mom.” No doubt she was no longer around, because not only would she have managed the crows she would most certainly have had a go at Rose’s mare’s legs in defence of her young.

Rose reared the little pig on an infant bottle filled with milk, egg and sugar and the little bundle thrived, grew and soon made digging up the garden her favourite sport. So much that inevitably trouble brewed in the Caldwell household and to avoid total destruction not only to the beautiful garden but also their many years of happy marriage, the Caldwells decided it was time Piggy went somewhere she would meet creatures more her match and be prepared for a future in her ancestral wilderness home. That is how she came to us.

She is yet too young for return to the wild and must stay a few months longer before she begins her eventual journey back to the wild. Meanwhile she has exchanged digging for chasing the other orphans who jovially tolerate her antics. Our little Buffalo “Bella” is however specially taken with her and they are beginning to bond. One thing is for sure: Bella will always be bigger than the Ms. Piggy and that fact of life, she will probably continue to respect!

Ms. Piggy is looking for your sponsorship in fostering or adoption…
adoption.animalorphanagekenya.org

It could have been any other day or point in time and this little piggy would have gone unnoticed only a few days into his life, the shadow of death already upon him.

Minute and vulnerable, he was forcefully separated from his mother and siblings.

The pair of mighty martial eagles that have been spotted now for a few days signal the onset of baby season for warthog families. The prolonged drought has forced many expectant hog families to leave their parched savannah homes for the still relatively healthy pastures of the mountain slopes. Here they compete with the rest of the game living under the protection of the MKWC and we wonder how long the food will last with the added burden.

As the martial eagles patiently wait in the trees, their powerful eyes focus on the warthog dens. A few days after giving birth the

sow gets ready to move her new litter to confuse nocturnal Jackals and foxes. She is not aware of the imminent danger from the sky. With his over 2 meters of wingspan the eagle descents silently casting a sudden shadow over this happy family outing. By the time the sow sounds the alarm and her piglets scatter, the powerful claws of the mighty bird have already grabbed one of their number and in one hasty swoop the bird and its prey are airborne - the spectacle of nature is over in seconds. This is how inexperienced mothers lose inexperienced piglets. When she stops to count noses one or more fugitives are already out of her earshot and unaware of her call. By night the jackal, the smaller cats, or the fox will find the easy meal.

Not this time, as one of our alert game scouts found the lone piglet squeaking for help he became its saviour and delivered it unharmed to Fundi at our animal Orphanage.

Our loyal friend and Conservancy supporter Chuck Simmons came through at once with a significant sponsorship for the comical piglet, hence named: “Chucky”

Chucky has already dutifully taken up his position as Orphanage clown endearing himself to all he meets. Not unlike most parents that see their own children as smarter and nicer, I must say, “I think this one is different, he really is smarter!!”

He not only follows Fundi all day, he also delights in greeting those of us he can already identify, such as my blue car for instance which sends him racing up to the gate to greet me.

I think we have a winner: “World’s smartest mini hog!!”

Two days ago the political situation in Kenya was still hopeless. Suddenly with lightening speed at the eleventh hour a solution was found, a deal was struck, and rapidly the sun appeared, flooding light down the end of the tunnel.

breakthrough….

Dr. Kofi Annan, here to help the opposing sides negotiate, managed to get them to go together without conflict or incongruity and sign a pact which promises a better future. They have agreed to a power sharing government but more importantly they have agreed that the events we saw in January are not to be repeated. Ever.

Everyone is joyful at the news, almost forgotten are the differences, for now the yearning for assured peace is paramount.
A great wave of warm feelings goes out to Kofi Annan who did not waver in his resolve to bring the warring parties together. In gratitude game scouts in the Maasai Mara even named a new born Rhino calf “Kofi”. Cute!

But wait, this is a “white” Rhino. Of course “white” does not refer to its color, it only identifies it as the wide lipped Rhino, different from its smaller cousin the black Rhino, indiginous to Kenya.

Here at the Conservancy we wanted to take the hint and name one of our own after the great peacemaker to mark the joyous occasion. All the animals were called to a meeting chaired by yours truly, (I am still the Chaircat).

The council of animals decided that although they sport record long horns not seen elsewhere, our own Rhinos have little in common with Kofi the man and therefore did not deserve the honor of carrying his name.

• Rhinos, (the blacks more so than the whites) are more known for their ferociousness than their intelligence. (Not so Kofi the man)
• They can be highly dangerous when disturbed. (Not so Kofi.)
• They are loners when adult and stay away from others of their kind, (meeting only to mate). (Not so Kofi).
• When they do meet one another they fight often to the death, mostly over territory. (Not so Kofi).

After much debate the council of animals voted unanimously that the honor should go to our own “Speedy” the XL Aldabra Tortoise. Speedy has so much in common with the famous man Kofi. We could not deny the obvious similarities;

• He’s old and wise and has weathered many storms.
• He’s not really from Kenya but said to have African heritage.
• Unhasty, he advances slowly and he carefully calculates his every move.

our own “Speedy Kofi”

And yet when circumstance demands this guy can move with tremendous speed and maneuver his way safely and brilliantly through the most difficult situations. But most importantly he’s every ones respected friend. So with great fanfare we announce :
Speedy the Tortoise will henceforce be honored with the name of :

“Speedy Kofi”

Speedy Kofi : “sharing” power

And with that my friends, we count the days until you visit us here at Mount Kenya.

Another 2008 baby bongo! A fine strong young male was born to the Conservancy’s dam “Liz” bringing the total number to 52.

I won’t bore you with another picture. Its just so exiting, we are barely in the second month and have 3 healthy baby bongos already. The odd bit is: they are all males.

They will be a rare and handsome trio carrying within them insurance for the future of the elusive mountain bongo.

You can now adopt your very own bongo online with a one click donation. For a little more you may even name your own bongo. Just imagine a wild bongo on majestic Mount Kenya carrying your name! Click here to make the world’s greatest gift to yourself and your loved ones and watch a little bongo grow in the safety of your sponsorship.

adoption.animalorphanagekenya.org

No doubt the trio will form an outstanding group of age mates before they split up to pursue what nature demands:

Cherchez la femme!!

But will all three succeed? There are only so many females to go around. How can we produce more “girls”? Haven’t got that figured yet!! Maybe Dr. Betsy Dresser can help out. Betsy is the leading scientist of the Audubon Society’s CREW (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife). She is also a long time friend and supporter who has worked with us on bongo embryo transplants. She and her team actually managed to harvest a viable bongo embryo and transplant it into an eland antelope host mother who gave birth to a healthy baby bongo after the normal gestation period.

Scientists claim this technology is the answer to future prevention of extinction of species. Already Dr. Dresser has a “frozen zoo” to prevent extinction of some of the most endangered animals. Betsy tells us much research remains to be done to perfect the method of multiplication by way of embryo transplants into host mothers of more common species. Meanwhile, well, we’ll just have to revert and rely on the “old fashioned way.”

Which is of course is what makes the work of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy more important now than ever!

Despite all that you may have read and seen on TV, the recent political unrest in Kenya has left our area untouched. All is peaceful. But we desperately need your support as we see very few visitors, most have been frightened away by distorted media coverage and well-intentioned travel warnings.

In fact the few tourists that are actually touring the country at this moment tell us that they found everything along their route to be tranquil and the people wonderful in their plight to please the few visitors we get. They report, that the game parks feel like true wilderness, you barely see another vehicle. This then my friends is the time to come and see this wondrous country.

…peace in the Maasai Mara

The animals too are enjoying this total privacy. One couple told me that they saw a pack of 12 hyenas hunting and actually attacking an elephant!! So this is the only kind of close combat you can expect in Kenya’s wilderness. It sounds so fabulous, so like it was in the “old days,” when tourists were scarce. More folks than ever before manage to photograph the big five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard.

For the rarest, seldom seen animals such as the bongo, suni, caracal, white zebra, and more, you can always visit us at the Conservancy.

Quite obviously, this is the time to come and experience what this country really has to offer.

See you here soon I hope!

Another beautiful day here at Mount Kenya and another delightful surprise: Barely two weeks after the grand entrance of Bongo baby No. 50, here now is No. 51!! He was born to “Wasi-wasi” which, losely translated means crazy (as in nervous). That is indeed the reason why I don’t yet have a decent picture of the cute little baby antelope, I didn’t dare risk Wasi -wasi to disembowel me with her horns. Bongo, normally quite calm and shy can also be very dangerous. Wasi-wasi especially is quite capable to stand there like a tame animal one moment and attack the next if she were to perceive danger for her young. It is this quality that will ultimately insure their survival in the wild we hope.

In any case congratulations are due: Wasi-wasi presented us with a beautiful little male. Here’s your chance to name and adopt!! Just contact us.

Meanwhile the new baby and mother have joined Hamsini and her mother in the suni sanctuary. We are sure the two little ones will become buddies for life, - a life that will eventually see them roaming free in the wilderness of Mount Kenya.

While there is still unrest in some pockets of the nation we are happy to report none of this is taking place anywhere near us. I have yet to meet a single Kenyan that is not horrified by past events. Everyone we know is united in the resolve that peace should prevail at any cost. Kenyans are concerned what the world must think of them. They want you to know that in the majority they are the most friendly, jolly and tolerant people you have met, not the rowdies engaged in senseless battles that do not have anyone’s support . A yearning for peace to return to this land is what is now uniting Kenyans from all over. There is much hope and confidence in the air. Watch this space for updates.

I got up early this morning, awakened by bird song. I jumped out of bed thinking it must be late. But when I looked outside it was still dark. And yet, the birds were up.

And then I saw it, the full moon illuminating the western sky, descending slowly toward the edge of the ranch.

I grabbed the camera and rushed off in the car, out into the bush still hidden by the night.

Striped and white zebra mingling with reedbuck, bushbuck and eland antelope in my view briefly as I come up on the plain, there is that magnificent moon again, lower now.

In the east the sky takes on color as it gets lighter by the minute and the mountain stands watch as the moon sinks below the trees racing the life giving sun still hidden by the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya.

The bush is still dark and I am alone and I am not afraid.

A herd of buffalo slowly makes its way down to the dam to drink, standing out now against the violet sky.

I don’t know what today will bring, what you will read in the papers about Kenya or what images they will show on TV. And I hope that you will not believe everything because: here I am alone in the African bush and I am not afraid.

This much I know: The people of Kenya stand united for peace and whatever stands in their way they will overcome.

Tomorrow there will be another splendid moon and another and another conquering the darkest nights.

The moon is very low now slipping through the clouds, striped, hiding, losing to the life-giving sun.

We will be watching over the animals and the nature around us to preserve for a better future, another moon, another reason for the birds to sing their wake-up songs early, celebrating the dawn of another beautiful day in Africa.

Thank you for your concerns.

Your support means so much to every peace-loving Kenyan and to all of us here.

Our slightly delayed New Years gift:

A healthy male baby bongo finally made his grand entry.

The arrival of ‘Hamsini‘ marks the 50th Mountain Bongo to join the herd at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, earmarked for re-introduction to the wild.

We expected the birth to take place around the first of January. but as it were, world attention was focused on less joyous incidents in Kenya.

It was almost as though the mother bongo was waiting for calm amd peace to return to give her own big event the importance it deserves.

So today we introduce to you:

Hamsini, (which means ‘fifty’ in Kiswahili ) born last night, January 12, 2008.

Delivery was difficult as the little bongo had overstayed its normally expected gestation period, he had continued to grow in the safety of his mother’s womb.

With our team watching her closely the mother bongo finally managed the birth with a little of our help which she accepted calmly, gratefully.

After a good night’s quiet and uninterrupted rest for mother and young, both are fine this morning. Hamsini was observed having a first drink from “Mom”.

Mother and young can be seen in the animal orphanage’s suni sanctuary, where they will stay to be pampered for a little while before rejoining the herd.

(You can adopt Hamsini as your own sponsored member of this herd of rare mountain bongo) ….. Just add one or more zeros to his number….

(A donation of $500.00 and up will benefit the herd and bring us closer to the goal of re-populating Mount Kenya with this rare and exquisite species of antelope)

First I must report that in our neck of the woods peace prevails.

It is reassuring to know that all our staff and keepers without fail have shown their commitment to look after the animals in our care come what may.

Yesterday the Kenyan President called a press conference in order to explain that his first concern is that of the safety of all of Kenya’s citizens.
“We are all Kenyans” he said.

He explained to the press that security must be restored before any marches or mass meetings can take place in the name of peace. Once citizens are assured safety to go about their daily business he promised to address demands for further talks. He advised those with complaints to seek justice in the courts.

Meanwhile, fanned by international attention battles in the slums continue and it is unclear exactly what is happening there. There are many good Kenyan poor families that are forced to live on the edges of those slums and risk becoming innocent victims of those that emerge with grisly intent. Some pay the ultimate price caught in the middle of unsettled disputes and frustrations brought on by a desperate few.

We are confident that peace will return soon to this beautiful land Kenyans proudly call “God’s country.”

All of us here at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy are safe.
We are united in our vote for “pro life” for all gods creatures.
By our actions we hope to demonstrate the sincerity of all Kenyans committed to peace.
We thank you for your support. It means a lot at this difficult time to have you as our friends.

Karibu means welcome in Ki-swahili (you knew that of course)

After some trying days for Kenyans following the Dec 27 elections here, all seems to be quieting down with the dawn of a New Year.

At the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, where the interests of our wildlife are paramount we have felt none of the clashes and unrest that have rocked some parts of Kenya.

The men and women that work here looking after the animals and the land are culturally as diverse as the animals are different. We are proud to report that we are all still the best of friends here, men, women, beast and all!

This is what the animals have taught us: In order to survive each creature has to have his or her rightful place and space that allows for respect for one to another.

Sometimes this proves a little complicated…

but, as was the case with Brandy in the tub, a little diplomacy helped put her firmly back in her place.

Often quarters get a little crowded, but team spirit prevails even if we have to double up

There are those that always find reason to shout

and others are just plain pigs

Which makes the rest of us roar with laughter.

Here’s wishing you all a happy New Year blessed with peace and love for all God’s creatures.

Greetings from all the folks and beast at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

Kenya is in the midst of election fever. The next ten days are public holidays here.

But not so at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy where the interests of wildlife are paramount.

Thanks to our dedicated wardens and keepers sacrificing their own holiday, the animals will benefit from their special care all through the season.

2007 has seen great achievements at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

• More than 75 captive bred and otherwise extinct white zebras have been released and can now be seen roaming in the wilderness of the Mount Kenya forests.
• A total of 54 needy wild animals have been treated and/or rehabilitated at the refuge of our animal orphanage.
• Our bongo breeding program has just been graced with the 49th birth and counting….
• The first test group of bongo for release have been identified and work to fit satellite radio transmitters is progressing well.
• Our Cheetah breeding program is ongoing. We hope of more success in 2008.

Like a candle in the wind, we need your support to keep the flame alive.
Together we can make a difference.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season in the hopes that the New Year will bring all that your heart desires.

Thank you for your continued support.
Don and Iris Hunt
with Donald Bunge, Peter Fundi, JaneOyugi
and all of us here at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

The photographer was sure that he was going to see the end of his huskies when the polar bear materialized out of the blue, as it were:

More pictures and a narrative concerning this fascinating and beautiful inter-species encounter here: Animals at Play

This week marked a big step forward in the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s Bongo rehabilitation to Mount Kenya project.

We welcomed once again Ron Surratt, chairman of the U.S based Bongo Species Survival Program, our partners in this important conservation project. This time he was able to bring the long awaited satellite transmitter and attached it to the horns our magnificent bull Burukenge.

Why don’t you use "chips" everyone cried. Chips are the latest in tiny communication devices that can be embedded in the flesh of an animal to send back radio signals. But the system does require a human monitor, the sort we have all seen in documentaries, riding a jeep and holding an antennae to pick up these signals when in the close vicinity of the animal.

It makes exciting footage, but it is far from practical when you think of the thick impenetrable mountain jungles where these rare antelopes are to be re-established.

There still is of course old fashioned telepathy…

While our team was working with the bongo silently so as not to cause added stress to the animal, our Rhino Big Mama however had already received the message. She rushed up to the site from a mile away to be "the first to know" what exactly was going on. If animals could only talk or sign they would be a great help. Maybe Monkeys could be trained to keep an eye on the Bongo and report back. Could that be in the future?

The device young Burukenge now wears "reports" to a satellite. Information of the animals’ movement can be received through Google and enables a researcher sitting comfortably a continent away if need be, to follow and record and analyze the animals steps.

If successful, Burukenge will be the leader of a first small group of Bongo in training for a 2008 wilderness release. Data collected are invaluable in telling us much of the movement and fate of this first group and will pave the way for subsequent releases.

I must admit, my memory failed me when it came to the melodic Kiswahili name "Burukenge," but Bunge, our Wildlife Manager, reminded me that it means: Monitor Lizard. What a weird name for a Bongo, you think. But now I remember: He was born in 2002 to our cow "Kidogo" (small one), and he preferred rolling on the ground to standing for most of his first few days in this world. "Burukenge" was what the keepers named him and it stuck.
But now time is ripe for an adul