Animal Welfare Monthly Highlights: January 2025
Hatching A Better Future for Poultry
Attendees at the Mazuri Chicken and Egg Conference
It was a robust chicken and egg affair this January as ANAW and Partner Africa brought together a powerhouse of poultry industry leaders, animal welfare champions, government representatives, farmers, and retailers for the Mazuri Chicken and Egg Conference at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on January 29, 2025. This exciting gathering celebrated progress in poultry welfare, deliberated on tackling industry challenges, and undertook a brainstorming session on innovative ways to build a more humane and sustainable future for chickens in Kenya.
The discussions were packed with insights from reducing antibiotic overuse, promoting ethical farming and boosting sustainability to ways to improve poultry welfare while ensuring long-term benefits for farmers, animals, and the environment. One thing was clear - collaboration is key! By working together across sectors, they could transform Kenya’s poultry industry and set new standards for responsible farming.
With fresh ideas and renewed commitment, this conference set the stage for a future where every chicken gets the care and respect, they deserve.
Bringing Care and Protection to Kajiado Donkeys
A Donkey Owner Preps his Donkey for Check-up
Donkey owners led their animals to the makeshift clinic, a mix of curiosity and hope in their eyes. Some of the donkeys carried the marks of long journeys—tired hooves, untreated wounds, and signs of wear from their daily work. But that day was different. That day, help had arrived.
Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) supported by SPANA and in partnership with the Kajiado Veterinary Department, kicked off the donkey clinic, ensuring the hardworking animals got the care they deserved. A total of 389 donkeys received vaccinations, deworming, immune boosters, and wound treatments, providing much-needed care to improve their well-being.
Beyond treatment, the campaign focused on empowering donkey owners and users through interactive awareness sessions. Topics covered included primary donkey care, responsible treatment-seeking behavior, and proper husbandry management. A key discussion also centred on the alarming rise in donkey bush slaughter, particularly in Ewaso, with residents urged to collaborate with local security teams to help curb this growing concern.
Donkey Owners Getting an Empowerment Session on Proper Donkey Care
De-snaring in The Wild and Inspiring the Next Generation
KWS Ranger Removing an Active Snare Along Wildlife Trail
January saw ANAW’s team back in the field, rolling up their sleeves for a de-snaring patrol and conservation education mission in Machakos County. From January 28 to 31, the operation covered Kyelu Ranch, Karanja Ranch, Sikia, and Syombunguo, where a total of 60 snares and one bird trap were recovered - 39 live snares and 21 dead ones.
The patrol also uncovered a growing concern—human-wildlife conflict in Mua Hill, where a leopard had been attacking dogs in the area. A local resident reported that seven dogs had fallen prey, with one lucky survivor escaping with injuries. ANAW’s veterinarian rushed to its aid, treating its wounds and ensuring a smooth recovery. This incident underscored the urgent need for stronger co-existence strategies between communities and wildlife.
Wound Management to the Dog Attacked by a Leopard
Beyond the rescue efforts, ANAW took wildlife conservation from the field to the classroom.
Partnering with KWS Kapiti Base, the team visited Malia Educational Center to spark a passion for wildlife protection among students. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, and lively Question and Answer sessions, they explored the ecological roles of wildlife, the threats of poaching and habitat destruction, and the importance of co-existing with nature. The students were eager, engaged, and brimming with ideas, proving that the future of conservation lies in the hands of informed, and empowered youth.
To keep the momentum going, the team provided educational materials and wildlife-themed activities, ensuring the students had tools to continue their learning journey. By the end of the session, teachers and students alike were inspired, committed, and ready to act—becoming ambassadors for wildlife in their communities.
ANAW Team Conducting Conservation Education in Malili Educational Center
A First Nest Found and Learning Adventures Begins
Exciting news came from Funzi Island that the hatching season had started early! The Funzi Turtle and Marine Conservation Group recorded its first nest of the year—Nest ID 001, laid by a green sea turtle on January 22 in Mzame area. The eggs were expected to hatch in March 2025, and the team was on high alert, conducting frequent patrols to ensure the nest remains undisturbed.
Meanwhile, despite no turtle activity this month in Msambweni, security patrols continued to keep the beaches safe for future nesting.
Beyond turtle patrols, conservation extended to cleaning up the shores of the Indian Ocean. On January 26, the Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group teamed up with Waa Boys High School and Matuga Girls High School for a beach clean-up. The turnout was fantastic, and together they removed a significant amount of plastic waste from the coastline. The event was not just about cleaning—it was a learning experience, inspiring students to take an active role in protecting marine life.
Beach Clean-up in Collaboration with Waa Boys and Matuga Girls
To top it off, both Msambweni and Funzi groups participated in a three-day fishermen workshop led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, gathering insights on sustainable fishing practices and community-driven conservation efforts.
Colobus Conservation Rescues, Recoveries and Returns to the Wild!
Vervet Monkey – Photo courtesy of Colobus Conservation
January was a busy month for the Colobus Conservation Primate Rescue project, with the team responding to 14 animal welfare cases! Among them were 9 Colobus monkeys, 3 Sykes monkeys, 1 Baboon, and even a Monitor lizard in need of care.
The best part - two lucky Colobus monkeys received treatment and a second chance at life, making a full recovery and returning home to the wild!
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