Threatened By Humans, Kenya's Masai Giraffe Moved To New House

Kenya commemorates World Wildlife Day on Friday, with officials reaffirming their commitment to increasing the protection of iconic species experiencing various threats.

Kenyan Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Cultural Heritage Peninah Malonza said the government would invest in innovative community-based conservation models, to stop the disappearance of charismatic species such as giant mammals, carnivorous, birds and reptiles.

"As a country, we recognize the intrinsic value of wildlife, the economic and social benefits it provides so that we are determined to protect this resource from harm," said Malonza at an event held at the Amboseli National Park, located southwest of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. March 4th.

He explained that Kenya had imposed a broad law while intensifying collaboration with stakeholders, to strengthen the protection of wildlife species, which is the main source of tourism revenue and maintain ecosystem balance.

Malonza observed that the climate crisis, human gain, poaching, disease, and weak law enforcement pose a serious threat to the survival of wildlife species that are icons in the country.

The current drought cycle has had a major impact on wildlife, he said, adding that the government has intervened such as supplying water, animal feed, and mineral salt to national parks to prevent species deaths.

One of Kenya's steps related to animal conservation is the transfer of thirteen Masai giraffes in the Moi Ndabi area, the Naivasha Valley.

The raids were moved, after being threatened by poachers for a long time and conflicts with the local community.

Veterinarians and fishing officers at the Kenya Wildlife Service managed by the government have now moved them to conservation sites, including the Loldia farm, about 120 km (75 miles) northwest of the capital Nairobi, where they will be monitored.

With a lot of space to roam around and water to drink, these animals will join the giraffe population already on the farm.

Dominic Mijele, 42, has been saving giraffes for 18 years and wants to do more.

"They will be very well secured (at the Loldia farm) with enough water and quite a lot of cruising (vegetation)... there will be no conflict between humans and wildlife," he said.

It is known that March 3 is a World Wildlife Day, an international day set by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate all wild animals and plants in the world, as well as the contributions they make to the life and health of the planet.