Elephants are majestic creatures that roam the wilds of Africa, but sometimes their paths cross with those of humans. This can lead to tragic consequences, as was the case in the Amboseli ecosystem recently.
The incident involved a female with two calves near Amboseli National Park. They encountered an old man or ‘mzee’ herding goats in the late evening and the result was fatal. The mzee‘s body was recovered by a search party in the bushes the next morning. The villagers gathered in sorrow. They recounted how a young woman escaped death by a whisker after being tusked by an elephant with two calves in the recent past.
All hell broke loose two days after this incident when a cow was killed by an elephant two days after the old man’s body was discovered. The community concluded that this was the same female who had turned rogue. In a tense meeting, they demanded that the Kenya Wildlife Service remove the elephant with immediate effect.
This occurrence highlights the challenges in human-wildlife interaction around Amboseli National Park, a UNESCO man, and biosphere reserve. In Amboseli, boundaries between the protected area and human communities do not exist. Elephants and people interact freely in the landscape.
The Maasai have a deep understanding and respect for elephants, developed through centuries of coexisting with the animals. They are well-versed in the behavior of elephants and take steps to avoid disturbing them. They are fully aware that a female elephant with young calves is always on edge. The villagers will patiently wait for the family to pass before continuing on their journey. Even little children are primed to avoid encounters with potentially dangerous elephants. They often take alternative routes to avoid elephants, especially if they recognize signs of agitation such as trumpeting and ear flapping. This knowledge and consideration for the elephants’ well-being ensure the safety of both the villagers and the elephants.
Unfortunately, the tragic incident agitated the community and threatened to ruin the peaceful but delicate coexistence that had been established by the villagers and wildlife.
Thankfully, Kenya Wildlife Service and other key stakeholders including Big Life Foundation, IFAW, CHD Conservation Kenya, and Amboseli Trust for Elephants swiftly convened a meeting to establish the last known location of the animals and create a plan of action together with the community. Their priority was to quickly translocate the elephants to prevent any further danger to the community.
A rapid and well-coordinated effort was launched, with three helicopters, community patrol vehicles, and two trucks equipped with cranes deployed to set off the rescue mission. The team searched the area determinedly, using their knowledge of elephant behavior and the terrain to track down the animals.
Within two hours, the elephants were spotted and immobilized by the KWS veterinary team. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants helped to identify the elephants and to collect crucial measurements.
The swift and efficient response of the KWS team impressed and reassured the community, showing their commitment to preserving both human and animal life. The community could finally rest easy knowing that they were safe from any further incidents and the animals were in safe hands.
According to Mr. Kosgei, the Senior Warden at Amboseli National Park, such incidents should be immediately reported to the Kenya Wildlife Service to ensure the safety of the community and wildlife. Peaceful coexistence will help to maintain a healthy ecosystem in Amboseli and protect endangered species. This will also continue to preserve the economic importance of wildlife that is enjoyed by the community.
The translocation of the elephants from Amboseli to Tsavo East was a successful operation due to the quick response by the community and Kenya Wildlife Service. It was a reminder of the delicate balance of humans and wildlife that share our planet. It was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Kenya Wildlife Service, stakeholders, and the community who work tirelessly to protect and conserve Kenya’s wildlife.
CHD conservation Kenya is a grassroots organization committed to protecting wildlife through conservation education and awareness programs. www.conservationkenya.org
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@conservationkenya.
