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SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST AND THE KENYAN WILDLIFE SERVICE:
COLLABORATING TO PROTECT ECOSYSTEMS
he Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro (Greater Amboseli) ecosystem in East Africa is under increasing pressure. From 2022 to 2024, a relentless two-year drought depleted vital food and water sources, intensifying human-wildlife conflict as animals venture further into human settlements in search of resources. This escalating tension places both communities and wildlife at risk. Wildlife corridors are essential for the survival of migratory species, particularly elephants, which rely on free movement across this vast landscape. However, as resources grow scarcer, competition increases, leading to dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.
In an already fragile ecosystem, these conflicts threaten conservation efforts, disrupt delicate ecological balances, and put endangered species at greater risk. This is where the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) plays a crucial role. One of Africa’s most respected conservation organizations, SWT works across Kenya to protect wildlife and their habitats through anti-poaching initiatives, habitat preservation, community engagement, and emergency veterinary response. Their work is vital in ensuring that both wildlife and local communities can coexist in a way that supports long-term conservation. On assignment with the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation, we documented SWT’s multi-faceted conservation efforts, focusing on the challenges facing Kenya’s wildlife and the people working tirelessly to protect it.
A key part of this work is the Mobile Veterinary Units, operated by SWT in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). These teams respond to emergencies in the field, treating animals injured by snares, spears, arrows, and gunshots—often the result of increased human-wildlife conflict. During our time in the field, we witnessed the rescue of a snared elephant, an all-too-common occurrence as wildlife faces mounting pressures from habitat loss and resource scarcity. This operation, carried out by SWT and KWS, underscores the importance of rapid intervention and expert care in giving these animals a second chance.
Conservation is most successful when it is a collaborative effort, where wildlife, local communities, and dedicated organizations work together to find sustainable solutions. The work of SWT, KWS, and local conservation partners is a testament to what is possible when people commit to protecting and restoring fragile ecosystems.
