Big Life Foundation

Impact for Local Communities Conservation should contribute to the development needs of local communities, rather than compete with them, and all Big Life conservation programs have been conceived with this in mind. Big Life is the second largest employer of people from the Greater Amboseli ecosystem (after the Teachers Commission). Our programs provide direct community support, not only through this employment, but also through lease payments, tourism revenue, and by supporting education and healthcare. Our long relationships and continuous efforts to address human needs through these programs have generated trust and all-important goodwill toward conservation and are a key reason that our wildlife and habitat efforts have been successful. In 2023, our impact for local communities was substantial, and included: - 453 long-term scholarships awarded - $369,157 scholarships awarded - 7,738 students reached with conservation education - 12,600 immunizations administered - 7,755 family planning services provided - 29 search & rescue operations for missing people - 13 emergency hospital transports Learn more in our 2023 Impact Report, now available. https://lnkd.in/gJ429NZX Remembering Ann Lurie We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ann Lurie, a pioneering philanthropist whose impact was felt globally. Ann's generosity and vision have touched countless lives through her support of healthcare, education, and social services. Among her many contributions, Ann funded the Mbirikani clinic, which served as the catalyst for Big Life’s entry into healthcare support for the local Maasai community. The clinic set the foundation for the evolution of the robust health program we have today, and the physical building still serves as Big Life’s headquarters in Kenya. Ann Lurie’s legacy is one of compassion and commitment. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and express our profound gratitude for her unwavering support for Big Life's programs. 📸: Nikki Best #maasai #community #healthcare #conservation #amboseli #education #kenya

Impact for Habitat The world changes, and conservation efforts must adapt to stay relevant. The largest threat to Amboseli’s wildlife was historically from poachers. Together with partners, we’ve tackled this. We haven’t lost a single elephant to poachers since March 2018, nor a rhino since September 2015. However, we’ve had to broaden our focus to tackle new challenges, the most urgent of which is the threat to natural habitats. The wild spaces of Amboseli have always been informally protected by the Maasai pastoralist way of life, and communal land tenure that put community needs ahead of the individual. This has changed dramatically, through a recent process of land subdivision that has broken large areas into tens of thousands of private land parcels. Amboseli was at risk of losing its open savannahs. To prevent this, Big Life has supported proper land-use planning, and is now working with communities to create structures and incentives to protect migratory corridors and grazing areas, for the benefit of wildlife and livestock-based livelihoods. In 2023, our impact for habitat was substantial, and included: - 14,150 acres of rangeland restoration area - 102,322 anti-erosion bunds installed - 89 suspects arrested for habitat destruction - 2,416 KG sandalwood confiscated - 2,448 land parcels leased for conservation, covering 87,455 acres Learn more in our 2023 Impact Report, now available. https://lnkd.in/gJ429NZX 📸: Joshua Clay

Impact for Wildlife The Greater Amboseli ecosystem is one of the richest wildlife regions left in Africa. But the same animals that make it famous also put it in the crosshairs for wildlife crime. Some species face greater threats than others, but Big Life’s rangers work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other field partners to protect ALL wildlife in our area of operation. This includes everything from stopping poachers, to mitigating human-wildlife conflict, to coordinating rescues and veterinary care for wildlife. As a result, many threatened wildlife populations are increasing, including elephant, giraffe, and even lions. In fact, the local lion population has grown from as few as 20 in 2003 to more than 250 today. In 2023, our impact for wildlife was substantial, and included: - 0 elephants poached - 0 rhinos poached - 19 injured elephants treated - 66 elephant crop raids prevented - 75 bushmeat poachers arrested - 1,488 KG of ivory confiscated Learn more in our 2023 Impact Report, now available. https://lnkd.in/gJ429NZX 📸: Joshua Clay

2023 was a year of immense growth for Big Life. After overcoming a devastating drought, we welcomed good rains that allowed wildlife populations to recover. This relief enabled us to intensify efforts to protect critical habitats and secure vital wildlife migration corridors through conservation leases. Our ranger teams expanded their work to combat illegal activities, mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and support wildlife rescues. Our lion conservation programs have seen remarkable success, with the lion population now exceeding 250, up from just 20 lions two decades ago. These achievements would not be possible without our donors' generous support. Thank you for helping us protect the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. For more insights, explore our 2023 Impact Report. https://lnkd.in/gJ429NZX

2023 was a year of immense growth for Big Life. The previous year was defined by a devastating drought that stretched our resources thin as we fought to protect the most vulnerable parts of our ecosystem. We succeeded, thanks to the generous support of our donors. Since then, we have received good rains, and wildlife populations are recovering. The relief that came with the rains has allowed us to redouble our efforts to protect critical habitat areas. At the request of local communities, we are heavily involved in helping to develop land use plans that protect the overall health of the ecosystem. We are also actively working to secure the most heavily-used wildlife migration corridors, protecting them from development via conservation leases. This includes the Nairrabala corridor north of Amboseli National Park, as well as areas in Mbirikani, Kimana and Eselengei. In the meantime, our ranger teams are expanding and focusing on keeping wildlife and wild lands safe from illegal activity. This includes mitigating human-wildlife conflict, preventing poaching, arresting traffickers, and supporting wildlife rescues. It also means preventing illegal land development and habitat destruction. As always, our rangers are stepping up to the challenges that a changing landscape is handing to us. In some cases, our success creates new challenges. A thriving lion population is testing the boundaries of our predator protection programs, and despite any setbacks we experienced in 2023, we have come out the other side stronger with renewed commitments from the community for lion conservation. The lion population now numbers more than 250, a dramatic improvement from when we started our Predator Compensation Fund 20 years ago, when there were as few as 20 lions in the ecosystem. None of our work protecting the Greater Amboseli ecosystem is possible without you, our donors. Thank for you for helping to keep our boots on the ground and eyes on the horizon. Sincerely, Richard Bonham, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Benson Leyian, Chief Executive Officer Craig Millar, Chief Operating Officer Big Life Kenya READ THE FULL REPORT: https://lnkd.in/gJ429NZX 📸: Joshua Clay

Big Life is thrilled to announce that we are hiring for two key positions. Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and become part of our dedicated team? INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER https://lnkd.in/g43U2ecV DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATOR https://lnkd.in/g-rS2icV

ROADS KILL Kenya’s roads are notoriously dangerous. They claim the lives of thousands of people each year. What is less reported on is the effect they also have on wildlife. Built in 2007, the Emali-Loitokitok Highway runs through the heart of Big Life’s area of operation (AOO). There are few potholes and almost no speedbumps – and that is a problem. With no restrictions on the speeds cars, trucks, and motorbikes can drive, collisions with wildlife are increasingly common. We collect data on all wildlife fatalities, including those caused by vehicles, and since 2018, an average of 30 large mammals have been killed each year in our AOO. 2019 was the deadliest year with 49 fatalities. Zebras, giraffes, and gazelles top the list of victims, but rarer species including 3 cheetahs (one of which was killed just last week), a lion, and even shockingly an elephant have also met their end on this road. Hyenas, like the striped hyena in this image, are also common victims, as they are often the ones scavenging from other roadkill. There is sadly little we can do to protect wildlife across most of this road, but we have come up with a solution for arguably its most important section. The Kimana Corridor is the only link between Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary, and the ecosystems beyond towards Chyulu and Tsavo National Parks. The Corridor is crucial for the ecosystem’s migrating wildlife, and it is used by everything from elephants, lions, and giraffes to aardvarks and springhares. Recognizing its importance, we installed speedbumps on either side of the road that meets the corridor. Since this intervention, we have not recorded a single wildlife mortality in that area, demonstrating that small adjustments are sometimes all that are needed to make a big difference. For the Kimana Corridor at least, are relieved that scenes such as this should never happen again. 📸: Joshua Clay #wildlife #conservation #hyena #kenya

CELEBRATING ONE TON One Ton is known for his calm demeanor and celebrity status as one of Africa's dwindling "Super Tuskers." He has captured the hearts of many who have had the privilege of encountering him. His presence at the water holes in the Chyulu Hills, including at Ol Donyo Lodge and the home of Big Life’s co-founder Richard Bonham, is a sight to behold. Despite his popularity, One Ton has faced his fair share of challenges. In 2021, he was spotted with a severe wound on his neck, likely the result of a fight with another bull elephant – a common occurrence as these mighty males spar for dominance. Thankfully, a swift response from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-funded Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vet ensured that One Ton received the necessary veterinary care. Concern for One Ton's wellbeing didn't end there. In 2024, he was once again spotted with a wound on his neck, prompting another urgent call for medical assistance. The vet again quickly responded to administer treatment. The size and depth of the puncture suggested another clash with a fellow bull elephant. While such incidents highlight the challenges faced by elephants in the wild, they also underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals. Today, One Ton is alive and well, thriving in and around the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. He’s sporting a new crack on one of his majestic tusks, presumably caused in one of the many tussles he’s engaged in. We hope he doesn’t have too big of a toothache, and we’re keeping a close eye on him regardless. To celebrate One Ton, a new museum-quality print has been released. Based on an original oil painting by Jennifer Delaney, the artwork was inspired by a photograph of One Ton taken by the artist’s aunt, Karen Delaney-Wolverton, who serves on the Board of Directors for Big Life Canada. The original artwork will be auctioned off to raise funds for Big Life's conservation initiatives. The prints themselves are available for purchase through Big Life’s e-store. They have been generously donated, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our vital conservation efforts. You can buy the print in our e-store: https://lnkd.in/gERyN__7 📸 : Jeremy Goss

Big Life’s rangers are dedicated to protecting elephants from a myriad of dangers, from threats of illegal poaching, to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and injuries that require medical intervention. Our 390 rangers, organized into 45 ranger units and 10 mobile units, are on the front lines responding to these diverse challenges. In the first quarter of this year, our rangers patrolled 167,235 km, recovered 239.5 kg of ivory, and assisted in the treatment of four injured elephants. They also thwarted two elephant crop raids, which could have led to dangerous situations between farmers and elephants. The effectiveness of our rangers is evident in the numbers: zero elephants poached since March 2018 and zero rhinos poached since 2016. Since 2011, our rangers have patrolled over 5 million kilometers, confiscated over 5,000 kg of ivory, and arrested more than 5,000 suspects involved in wildlife crimes. Our rangers' work is about more than immediate protection: it's about securing a future where elephants and humans can coexist. This requires innovative conservation strategies, continuous patrolling, and the ability to adapt to new challenges as they arise. None of this is possible without the generous support of our donors. Your donation is vital to maintaining our rangers' efforts in protecting elephants and other wildlife. Please consider making a contribution to help us continue this critical work. Thank you for your unwavering support and compassion. Together, we can ensure that the wildlife, and wild lands of Greater Amboseli are protected for generations to come. Doante at: https://lnkd.in/gnJQK5xz 📸: Jeremy Goss

TIRELESS WORK It started as a routine report of a routine sighting: “Three adult male giraffes walking near Ilchalai area at 10:43 am.” Big Life’s rangers call in all animal sightings on patrol, and this was just another record for the database. Except something was not right. The oxpecker birds were unusually fixated on one of the giraffes. Injury? Likely. Snare? Too thick. The rangers drove closer to investigate and saw what appeared to be the inner ring of a motorbike tire tight around one of the giraffe’s necks. It was slicing through the skin, and the deepening wound had become a buffet for the oxpeckers. Immediate intervention was required. The radio call was modified to an emergency alert to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Amboseli vet to remove the tire. The injured giraffe’s two companions loomed skeptically while our rangers worked with the KWS vet team (who are funded by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) to get the giraffe on the ground, cut its noose, disinfect the wound, and help him back on his feet. While encouraging to know this wasn’t a snare, the tire was likely thrown onto the giraffe by herders as entertainment. This highly unusual incident underlines the importance of our extensive ranger patrols, which ensure hundreds of pairs of eyes are monitoring every corner of the ecosystem for potential problems and speedy solutions when needed. As ever, we are grateful to our partners for their speedy response and collaboration in helping to save this giraffe from a slow and painful death. 📸: Constable Daniel Kutata #rangers #giraffe #worldgiraffeday #wildlife #kenya #conservation