The Chaircat’s Blog

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 adult name for this magnificent five year old Bull with such a brilliant future.

How about YOUR name, as in "Burukenge SMITH" ?

There is no doubt that this bull will make world headlines as he is destined to be the first to set foot on his ancestral home of Mount Kenya after an absence of his forefathers there for many years.

With a meaningful donation to help the project along he could take your name out there to be the star of one of the world’s most important conservation projects.

For details of the adoption of Burukenge or other animals please send us a message by use of the Contact Form.

With your help we have once gain come one step closer to realizing this dream.

Some 1000 feet below the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy on the vast plains of the Laikipia plateau, this very unusual Zebra was photographed by our friend Jane McKeand.

It may look regular to the untrained eye, but on closer examination all agree: this appears to be a cross between the two subspecies of Zebra: the smaller common or Burchell’s Zebra and the much larger Grevy’s Zebra.

If so, this is a significant first! Although the herds of both subspecies are sometimes seen together, no one here remembers ever having seen a cross. Although the scientists have always insisted that it is possible for all equines to mate, the two very distinctly different kinds of Zebra did not like one-another’s stripes, if you will. “Social preference” it was called.

They preferred to keep their relations within their own specific kind.

The Zebra pictured here appears to be pregnant. If so it would mean that the result of this cross is not sterile (as would be the case mule) as one may have expected. We are keeping a keen eye and welcome any further observations you may have made.

Watch for a detailed report on our Conservancy Members Green Page in December.

Did you hear about the delightful little Polar bear born at the famous Berlin Zoo nine months ago? His mother , unfortunately rejected him at birth. It happens in the best (animal) families.

The little bundle of white fur was raised on a bottle and once they could confirm his survival they aptly named him Knut. The much loved cuddly little bear has become a celebrity overnight overshadowing his human counterparts successfully. (And he doesn’t even have spots!). The kids love him, his round the clock keepers are crazy about him and the press can’t get enough pictures and videos of him.

Some Animal activists however are up in arms. They say he should have been left to die. He will never be a ‘real Polar bear’ they argue. He should be killed for his own good demanded one ringleader.

Killed for his own good…. Excuse me?

Knut meanwhile has grown fond of croissants and other such delights and his keepers got strict: No more junk food and more exercise they ordered. After all he had to pose for his star photo session with Annie Leibivitz. He even made the cover of the European edition of Vanity fair!

Meanwhile school children are campaigning outside the zoo, outraged at the discussion of a lethal injection demanded by the animal activists. Finally the Zoo announced they had no intention of putting down their most prized exhibit.

And so Knut lives on, destined to become a mascot for an international environment conference next year. He is to stand up for the anticipated fate his wild cousins may face if the worlds ice cap continues to diminish at the present rate.

This is not just about one animal or one species. Knut will be instrumental in focusing on the plight of all wild animals faced with the loss of their habitat worldwide.

How would he have been off better dead, I ask you!

They’ve just confirmed it on CNN! The cute little new Panda just born at the San Diego Zoo cost one million  U.S. Dollars “to make”!

Yep, that’s what the Chinese charge the U.S. for a visit of one of their , shall we say ‘virile’ male Pandas on “breeding loan”.

Just think, given the prospect of new spotted cat companionship, I would have done it for free….

It seems that our giant friends, the Elephants are getting out of control

A few days ago the gatekeeper at our William Holden Education Center had the surprise of his life. While he was busy washing the Education Center’s sixwheeler he was alerted by an unusual noise and hurried to his post at the entrance gate. There he was greeted by a huge mature bull Elephant who was whiling away the afternoon looking over the fence into the center’s grounds.

On sighting the alarmed guard the Elephant leisurely went on his way walking up the road towards the forest, not unlike a nosey neighbour pretending he wasn’t really spying.

An excited bunch of village kids followed at a safe distance.  Our visitor never looked back. Seemingly acutely aware of the impression made he decided not to take the scenic route to his forest home but instead to brave the wooden bridge over the troubled waters of the Nanyuki river where it boarders the Wildlife Conservancy.

A hush went over the by now sizeable crowd. Only recently the bridge had been declared unsafe for lorries weighing far less than our heavy friend intent on keeping his feet dry.

He had not heard about such things and without a moment’s hesitation he carefully crossed. The timbers creaked beneath him but before they could give way Jumbo was safely on the other side where the green foilage of the Mount Kenya Forest invitingly swallowed up all evidence of this unusual visit.

But why not, I say. Forever humans have gone to google the animals in their “natural habitat”.  Time for change I say!

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present:

OBAMA

That is what we unanimously named our latest arrival bongo baby boomer No. 9.

Born at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, OBAMA comes with an American background (his dam was raised at the San Diego Zoo) and Kenyan roots of course, his sire is a native Kenyan born bongo named Noah.

OBAMA will join the group of Kenya born bongo earmarked for release to re-establish bongo on Mount Kenya where they once thrived. The project is undertaken by the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and supported by the American Association of Zoological Parks (Bongo SSP).

We do hope the Senator from Illinois will be pleased and lend his support to this globally important wildlife and nature conservation project.

Another exciting “birth” day!! One more addition to our baby boomers! A healthy male baby bongo was born to our herd. His mother was originally donated by the kind folk of the San Diego Zoo, his father, a true Kenyan! Mother and baby are safely guarded, just in case.

The news about the recent incidents of poaching has put us Cheetahs “on the spot” so to speak.

Do I fear for my life. Maybe not mine, but I fear for the lives of my brothers and sisters out there in the wild. It is my job to keep everyone on the alert.

If caught, what do you think we should do with these cowardly thieves that steal our lives in search of riches?

The Kenya Wildlife Service Intelligence has advised our Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy to be on the outlook for poachers. They have credible evidence that “dealers” are in the area. They may be recruiting poachers and target specific animals, such as Rhino for their horns or spotted cats for their skins

Last month, only 30 miles away a Rhino and five Elephants fell pray to poachers. Only the slaughtered carcasses minus horn and tusks were the grisly evidence found in the bush.

Duma Duke, our “Chaircat” is scared! He and Bill and Diana are on high alert and ready to fight off any possible intruders should it come to that. But meanwhile Bunge, our Wildlife Manager has laid on extra armed security. Every evening, the Conservancy’s Rhino willingly walk to the safety of their night quarters, led by their own designated game scouts.

We are proud to have such dedicated and able staff safeguarding the animals’ lives!

Last night I had a dream.

I dreamt that a new party wanted me as their symbol.

Because I never change my spots, they said. I had to consider this very carfully because I already serve as Chaircat on the board of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. So I asked them what this new party was all about.

I had heard about such things. Here in Kenya they used to have a cockerel for one party and a donkey for another.

 The donkey is popular because they use it in America too. Then an African, the mighty elephant was given the job of symbol for another party. It didn’t mean too much because the only african american presidential hopeful  there did not join the party with the african elephant. He went for the donkey. The incumbent there stands with the elephant. Maybe because his name suggests that without him even the mighty elephant cannot survive. It’s all very complicated.

Obviously the position of a party symbol is an honor that could be a disaster in the making, so I asked many questions.

The party, they said, was not political. It was not religeous either. It didn’t even belong to any one country. The members could be of any race or species from worms to elephants and apes to humans. All had a right to live on earth but only in the order allocated by voting. Each species’ voting power had to do with how  much food they represented to other species and how much they consumed. An interesting concept but it left me way down the food chain as a major consumer. Humans also did not do too well but promised to compete more honestly. I remember the honey bee was so outstanding they almost offered her the position of symbol.

Then I woke up and realized it was only a dream. Maybe you can finish the dream for me.

Today there’s news that TV is bad for babies!!

I fully agree, we critters never had TV.

Except for the spoilt bat-eared Fox “Brit”

She was already addicted to watching a young age, but she only watched animal shows.

Her favorite was a video of ME the Cheetah running!!

The Lions frightened her.

Do your animals watch TV??

What do they watch?

Talk to me, I will send a free animal video to the best response!!

Chris Goodall, a leading environmentalist in the U.K. has us all rethinking global warming.

He thinks that all the known culprits for carbon emission are not as much to blame as man’s irresponsible solutions to change them.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article2195538.ece

If you ask me:

All this talk about the effects of global warming clearly demonstrates that there are too many of you. Yes, you humans, (and the cows that feed you according to Goodall.)

For those that want to turn us all green I say: the fault is certainly not ours… Cheetahs and the few Gazelles we are lucky enough to catch.

Now, if there were more Cheetahs, say hundreds of millions of us, there would not be so many of you, right?

But I am only a Cheetah, what do I know….

Bushdrums tell me that in the U.S. the 3 top Democratic  presidential hopefuls

addressed hundreds of bloggers today.

Yours truly was not invited.

Maybe because you cannot trust a Cheetah with politics, but let me tell you:

We never change spots!

We LOVE to hear from our visitors and supporters!

To us your words are the encouragement and incentive to strive harder towards our goal of beating extinction at the finish line.

Here’s another short excerpt of a recent letter received that we’d like to share:

If a picture tells a thousand words then those taken by your many visitors must fill entire storybooks already.

It’s so incredibly peaceful that it is dangerously easy to forget why “Iris’ Ark” was brought to life in the first place, but it is such a great encouragement to see that the majority of your visitors understand that these amazing creatures live there for so much more a reason than mere entertainment.

Thank you for allowing me to visit the Conservancy and Orphanage. I will treasure those days with Jane and “the guys” forever.

(signed) LILLY

And here is another letter:

I wanted to express my gratitude for Iris Hunt’s story about Mary the Elephant. I recently found this article as I was researching pictures of elephants on the internet for a painting.

When I first moved to Los Angeles a little over a year ago there was a photography show called Ashes and Snow. The photos are large sepia prints depicting the sacred relationship between animals and people. Beautiful pictures of elephants were among the first images I saw. The gallery was dark and full of people and suddenly I found myself crying looking at these elephants. This had never happened to me before and it was overwhelming. The photos of the other animals were also beautiful but every time I saw the elephants my eyes filled with tears. The feeling was of awe, sadness, and joy looking at them. Your story about Mary brought all of those emotions back for me to experience again.

Storytelling has always been important for human beings and good stories are of critical importance as our world is changing. Stories fertilize the imaginations of humanity and give us the freedom and strength to believe that we can accomplish anything. Thank you for sharing your true story, it inspires me.

Here’s something!

Since the last Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s update from June.

We have had another baby Bongo. This one was born at the Animal Orphanage where they had moved the mother to give her a safe place for birthing.

She experienced previous difficulty, but this one went fine. Peter Fundi and Bunge were on ’standby’  but the event passed without a hitch. Mother and young are doing fine!!

This brings our bongo baby count for 07 up to 8 and counting…

Our friend Denis Murphy the famous wildlife Artist just visited our Green Page:

www.animalorphanagekenys.org/members

Here’s what he had to say:

I had a look at the green page with the story of the two Brandys. She is too adorable for words.

And the picture of the “injured” policeman is priceless.

As to the previous two babies being eaten, I have heard about this happening in various animals including dogs & the explanation was that it occurs if the young are born with a defect. (We once adopted a baby rock pigeons that had been repeatedly thrown out of the nest by the mother.

Later, when it could fly, it kept colliding with things and we discovered it was blind in one eye.

Denis

Denis is of course a great friend and supporter of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. His famous wildlife paintings include many of our animals and are seen in collections the world over.

More paintings by Denis Murphy

Did you hear about Oskar the cat that spends time with patients on their deathbed in the nursing home? It’s been on all the news lately.

No one can figure out how Oskar knows who’s about to depart and who will be around for a while in the geriatric nursing home where he “works.”

As a member of the cat family I must say I don’t understand what all the fuzz is all about.

Of course we know such things.

And of course we care. We are cats are we not?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6917113.stm

My dear Friends,

In Kenya, rain is usually concentrated in two brief periods during the year. Oddly, this first half of the year it has been almost one long stretch of rain, denying the usual drought its disastrous effects.
 
Never have we seen so much green for so long.

Fewer animal orphans resulted. The vegetation around us has been regenerated almost overnight. Once again there is plenty of green grass and browse for the animals. The trees look alive and healthy with a new dress of shade-giving foliage.

Here at the Orphanage we used the time to make repairs and improve the facility. The older holding pens have had a makeover keeping in mind foremost the animals’ needs.

Oliver, our boisterous orphaned little Buffalo had to be banned from the general open area. He insists on furthering his fighting skills on what he considers his peers: our human guests!! The result were some cuts and bruises on our very tolerant keepers. He is now earmarked for an early re-introduction into an adult herd so he can rethink his identity before it is too late.

Karen our original bushbuck now has a family of 4. All were sired in the wild. Each time, Karen, a former orphan herself returns to introduce her newborn. She stays and spends time raising the calf in the safety of the orphanage, before she once again leaves for the wild. She makes us all feel proud.
 
Most recently our young caracal cat (African Lynx) has again given birth to two kittens. She was closely watched as she refused to raise her last litter and injured them. This time she devoted all her new learned motherly skills on only one of the kittens, abandoning the other.

Mama Duma came to the rescue and you can read the touching story on this page.

But folks, the BIG news just came with the dawn of this morning May 29th:

We have our first second generation baby bongo born to the “American herd,” a great milestone marking the success in the ongoing project to return the magnificent Bongo Antelope to Mount Kenya. See the article Baby Boomers in the Bush Drums section.

As I write this, unexpectedly as they came, the rains have left us overnight. It feels strangely like typical February days: bright sunshine and a strong gale blowing from the North East… but wait this is almost June, something seems terribly wrong. The mountain stands crystal clear and suddenly almost bare of snow, as if arrogantly backing Al Gore’s grisly predictions. The rivers that border the Conservancy still swollen yesterday, have receded already, a timely reminder of the urgency to preserve what’s left of our environment and all creatures within.

By saving and restocking the Mount Kenya National Park with some of its lost game populations we strive to help preserve the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

In those areas set aside for conservation flora and fauna must be considered paramount if we are to save our own kind as a species on this earth.

It is time for man to cease to conquer, but give way to nature to insure our own second place in this chain of earthly survivors.

This month we invite you to renew your memberships to remain part of this important ongoing effort. Your support now will mean so much for so many. Help us to make the future of our last remaining wilderness and the wildlife within less uncertain.

As I look up on this magnificent Mountain in whose shadow I was born I appeal to you to support all the creatures that need your help.

Without the Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage even I would be history!!

My dear Friends,

For those of us that are born optimists, 2007 has started well.

Unusual amounts of heavy precipitation may have caused some havoc in parts of East Africa, but for us here at the Conservancy the rain has had some very positive results. The vegetation is once again very lush and thick, the way it has not been for many years.

Birdlife is abundant. There have been comparatively few orphaned animals brought in, probably due to the fact that the rain has allowed nature to feed her own.

Our big New Years gift has been an unusual award: The esteemed American Association of Zoos and Aquariums every year carefully studies wildlife efforts all over the world. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy has been placed third on their list of…

“Top Ten Wildlife Conservation Success Stories of 2006″

Much work has gone into the Bongo breeding for rehabilitation program. All of us here are mighty proud and honored over the recognition by the AAZPA.

Bongo News Updates Page

In my own world (of Cheetahs) there is as yet not too much progress to report.

Some years ago declining Cheetah populations prompted well intentioned worldwide conservation bodies to impose international laws to stop the “trade” in Cheetahs and their skins. While all of this has focused positive attention on the plight of the Cheetah, it has also resulted in some negative aspects.

Scientists tell us that many years ago the Cheetah population went through a genetic tunnel, meaning that all Cheetahs became as closely related as brothers. Due to their poor reproductive abilities following this decline the species came to the brink of extinction. Through the efforts of Cheetah conservation, the picture has improved somewhat. But especially in East Africa the future of these beautiful animals is far from secure.
Cheetahs Although it is agreed there is only one species of Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with no subspecies, some scientists are totally opposed to mixing the South African with the East African Cheetah. We are not qualified to form an opinion on the merits of this highly specialized genetic intelligence. The practical result of this resistance to captive breed from other secure stock could be disastrous for the East African Cheetah.

In layman’s terms these are the facts:

South Africa, where Cheetah breeding has been most successful, does not encourage export for breeding of their captive born Cheetah. (Some say they have however exported Cheetahs to the Arab block?).

In Namibia, Cheetahs are very well preserved due to the efforts of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In fact they are doing so well that the Namibian Government has forbidden captive breeding there, because they have too many cheetahs turned stock killers already. Export however once again is not allowed or encouraged following international regulations and/or opposition to inter-African breeding. Talk about a catch 22!!
The Chaircat To the north of us, Somalia has long struggled to control the exploitation of the shrinking populations of game there. Many animals have been confiscated and ended up in well run facilities in Dubai, where by sheer numbers successful breeding has taken place. To the best of our knowledge none have been released or repatriated to Africa. Rehabilitation to Somalia of course would at this time not make much sense for obvious reasons. Rehabilitation the northern Ranchlands of Kenya is the obvious answer. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is ready and willing to participate. Let us hope that the International bodies who have successfully stopped the exploitation of Cheetahs will now see the merits in allowing the translocation of a breeding nucleus to assist the East African populations. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is ready to start a breeding - for rehabilitation program.
On a more cheerful note, our talented web designer turned travel writer Chuck Cavanaugh. has joined us here to see our the operations of the Conservancy first hand.

At first Chuck, a “big city boy,” was apprehensive about the merits of life in Africa. There is an old Swahili saying: “Once you have drunk the waters of Africa you will return to drink again.” I think we have a convert and made a friend for life!!

This month two of the Conservancy’s Trustees have been invited to give a helping hand to the plight of the Asiatic Lion in India, by sharing their knowledge at a symposium there.

Iris will speak about the important role of a wild animal shelter in Conservation. Don’s expert advice is sought following successful translocations of species and rehabilitation back to their natural habitats. Both consider this invitation a great honor and a tribute to the achievements of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

It seems my friends, our work is gaining international recognition!

Wishing you all a wonderful spring, I remain…

My dear Friends,

With the holiday season in full swing and the New Year on the doorstep I have much good news to report.

At long last it has now been confirmed that one small group of Bongo still survives on Mount Kenya. The group are reported to live in a remote area of dense forest, almost impenetrable to man. They have managed to remain hidden there undetected for almost ten years. The Conservancy’s work to breed the mountain bongo for the eventual return to Mount Kenya is progressing well and now becomes more important than ever.

Research is ongoing and we will keep you informed in our bongo rehabilitation segment.

The other good news I have for you concerns our striped friends, the rare white Zebra. A group of 50 of these magnificent animals gets to celebrate the New Year in the freedom of Mount Kenya National Park where their ancestors are reputed to have roamed. The release of this first group comes after thirty years of selective breeding of these rare beauties. It is a milestone to celebrate at our Conservancy.

Here at the animal orphanage we have seen our share of positive changes and improvements. Mores space has been allocated to accommodate more orphans. The kitchen had a makeover. Under Drs. Sayers’ and Murugi’s guidance and Fundi’s supervision our distinctive care programs for individual species of orphaned or injured animals has been streamlined and facilities improved.

A new home has been constructed to accommodate the porcupines (Shamba raiders now in rehab!!) Meanwhile several of our orphanage “graduates” have successfully been released back to the wild. Several new orphans were rescued and settled into their safe heaven.

Recent arrivals include several “bottle babies” keeping us busy.

It is a joy watching our devoted animal caregivers turn a frightened motherless starved and listless little wild animal into the happy and delightful youngsters romping the greens at the Orphanage.

Our very own new Cheetah enclosures have been upgraded to suit our needs better and improve chances of our as yet unsuccessful attempts of “starting a family”.

We are now able to move between four different areas. Summonsed by the charms of the ever graceful Cheetah ‘Diana’ we are able to visit when called upon, and feline favors are now more frequently granted to Bill and myself, so-to-speak! Watch this space for more ‘intimate’ announcements. (If need be we too may have to turn to Namibia to adopt!!)

On behalf of all our friends here at the Animal Orphanage, be it human, primate, feline, equine, striped, spotted or even “quilled,”, we wish all our family of friends and supporters a wonderful holiday season in the hopes that the New Year will shower us all with peace, love and success.

My dear Friends,

I must apologize for my prolonged absence…

Lately developments here the animal Orphanage have seen me literally pushed into the background. I have not been privileged to share the affections of our lovely female Cheetah Isis. For some time now, preference and visitation privileges have favored the handsome Cheetah “Sultan.”

Sadly for her, Isis has equally rejected the Sultan’s advances. After all, his beauty is only spotted skin deep. At last they have permitted us back to visit and enjoy female feline companionship on a regular basis again. Lately there is talk of settling other female replica near us. The accommodations are almost ready and we are most excited about the prospects. Meanwhile, we look forward for you to visit us at our Sanctuary here at the Orphanage.

His films have in the past focused on the Conservancy’s progress and drawn attention to the need to rehabilitate this unique magnificent Antelope to their rightful ancestral home on Mount Kenya.

Meanwhile, our new neighbors managing the Mount Kenya Safari Club are the famed Fairmont Hotels and Resorts group. Already we have met and befriended many of their talented leaders, a group of passionate, charismatic professionals whose mission is to:

“Celebrate Kenya and provide services that enrich the experiences and turn moments into memories for our guests.”

A motto after my own heart!

And with that my dear friends, I leave you to enjoy a truly Kenyan story where courage, love and determination overcame insurmountable obstacles and paved the way to freedom for many of the countries much loved gentle giants.

And it all started here at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s Animal Orphanage!

Christmas is almost here! November is a very special month in Kenya.

Our short rainy season started early this year, and very welcome after the devastating drought of the first 6 months which cost the lives of many of our older friends in the animal world.

In-between the storm clouds, God’s mountain reveal itself dressed in white, as if to prepare for the festive season ahead. The Conservancy is green and sparkling with dew and clusters of color from the wild flowers and shrubs. The early rain has brought an abundance of colorful tropical birds as well, all chattering with the message of plentiful food for all.

Our feature story for the holidays: The Last Wilderness, describes one of the most beautiful parts of Kenya, a harsh and hot place of rugged beauty, seldom seen by the average visitor. This is one of the few places left on earth where the vast herds of game still roam freely.

But back to the birds… of another kind: Our friend and supporter Tim Lapage reports on his airborne Safari of 2004. A unique trip of adventure from Ethiopia to the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom of Africa” piloting his own plane with precious cargo: Read all about it in our section: Safari Sampler.

In our own world here at the Conservancy there’s good news too. We have seen 4 new baby bongos born so far this year. If my big amber eyes don’t fool me, I would say, eyeing the bongo herd nearby every early morning, that we can with certainty expect to have two more additions before the year is out. It is wonderful to see the young at play, knowing that their future will be in the dense Mount Kenya forests where their ancestors once roamed.

As for us, the spotted Sphinx Diana, Bill and myself, and our visiting friend Sultan, we have been busy sorting out our own “private lives and territories” in our new breeding bomas. As yet there is no special announcement to be made, but believe me, we are working on it!!

We wish all our friends and supporters from all over the world a very happy holiday season. Your continued support is essential to our survival in the wild.