Animal Welfare Monthly Highlights: July 2024

De-snaring, Animal Rescues, and Conservation Education.

Utilizing a strategic hotspot de-snaring approach with randomized patrolling patterns, a joint team effectively disrupted poachers’ activities, helping to protect local wildlife from the perils of bushmeat poaching.

ANAW, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local conservancy scouts, undertook crucial wildlife conservation efforts in Machakos and Nakuru counties. Over the course of these operations, 55 snares, were recovered, (27 live and 28 dead), significantly reducing the threat of illegal wildlife hunting for bushmeat.

The Machakos desnaring exercise, conducted from July 15 to 18, involved a coordinated effort between ANAW, Machakos KWS team, and Maanzoni scouts. The team targeted several ranches — Lukenya, Maanzoni, Kyelu, Mwambi, and Muthuani removing 35 snares (15 live and 20 dead).

In Nakuru County, a five-day de-snaring operation was carried out from July 23 to 27 across Soysambu Conservancy, Marula Ranch, and Ole Magogo Ranch. The collaborative effort between ANAW, KWS from Elementaita Sanctuary, and conservancy scouts resulted in the removal of 20 snares (12 live and 8 dead).

During this expedition, two animals - a female zebra with a neck snare at Marula Ranch and a female hyena with neck injuries at Soysambu Ranch were rescued with the assistance of the KWS/Sheldrick Trust Naivasha Vet Unit.

Desnaring and rescues work as urgent interventions to protect wildlife alongside efforts to conserve and nurture habitats, sustainable land use, preserve and create wildlife areas, and curbing pollution among other initiatives.

Complementing these field operations, ANAW facilitated a series of conservation education sessions in both Machakos and Nakuru counties. In Machakos, the team engaged students from six (6) schools, while in Nakuru, they visited Murindu Primary School. These sessions focused on the importance of wildlife conservation, the dangers of bushmeat poaching, and the role of animal welfare. Through interactive learning, students were empowered to become responsible stewards of the environment, fostering a new generation of conservationists.

Commemorating World Ranger Day 2024 in the Tsavo Landscape

Manning our critical areas of significant conservation and cultural value, men and women in uniform work hard and ardently every year often carrying out death defying tasks and facing monumental challenges in their mission. A day to spotlight the superb achievements is integral. World Ranger Day, observed globally, every year on July 31, honors the brave men and women who protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage, often risking their lives in the line of duty. In Kenya, World Ranger Day is celebrated both nationally and at the landscape level, with ANAW consistently participating alongside other Tsavo landscape partners.

On July 26, 2024, partners within the Tsavo landscape gathered at Kutima Ranch/Choke Conservancy to commemorate this important day. The event was organized to pay tribute to the courageous rangers dedicated to safeguarding nature, highlighting their relentless conservation efforts despite the numerous challenges they face daily. This year’s theme, "30 by 30," aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in December 2022, emphasizing the critical need to protect 30 percent of land and waters by 2030 - a goal that heavily depends on the efforts of rangers.

Open Wing Alliance Africa Summit 2024

From July 16 to 19, 2024, the Open Wing Alliance Africa Summit took place in Maanzoni Resort - Machakos, Kenya, bringing together representatives from ANAW and other organizations across 12 countries. Centered around the theme, "A New Regional Strategy for Africa”, the summit focused on advancing the region's approach to animal welfare and cage-free initiatives.

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on a range of topics, from cage-free work to corporate outreach, with many receiving specialized training in outreach tactics and effective use of mainstream and social media for campaigns. The Summit also provided an opportunity to outline various action items, which would be integrated into future strategy calls to strengthen Africa's regional efforts in animal welfare.

Turtle Nests Secured as Community Undertakes Monitoring Activities

The Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group (MTCG) carried out patrols along their coastline, ensuring the protection of previously laid nests from human and animal predators. While no new nests or hatchlings were recorded, the group's vigilance remains crucial for ongoing turtle conservation.

In contrast, the Funzi Turtle and Conservation Group reported four (4) new Green Turtle nestsin July, bringing the season's total to fifteen (15). The nests were found in the Mzame and Shemshem areas on various dates in July. The group credits this increase to enhanced security patrols and cooperation with local fishermen, though they highlighted the need for additional resources and manpower to cover all necessary areas effectively.

The Msambweni MTCG also engaged in a beach cleanup activity with Mwaembe Eco-Credit, collecting a substantial amount of trash. They supported emerging conservation groups by donating gloves to the Mafanikio Women Group for their cleanup efforts.

Additionally, the group concluded a three-month internship program with students from Tharaka University and the Technical University of Mombasa, sharing valuable expertise in turtle conservation. On July 26, they participated in a training session on the value and types of trash, and on July 31, they convened a meeting with fifteen (15) conservation groups to form a committee that will drive future conservation initiatives.

ANAW works to support Msambweni Turtle and Marine Conservation Group (MTCG) in its efforts to conserve the Green Turtle and other marine species and its habitat.

Empowering Visiting Students on Animal Welfare in Africa

ANAW facilitated a session with young students from China in partnership with China House to raise awareness and educate them on the impact of animal welfare in Africa.

The discussion covered the significance of animal welfare in veterinary science and highlighted the crucial role of both formal and informal education in promoting animal welfare in Kenya. A second group was hosted at the office on July 25 on the same.

Colobus Conservation Chronicles

In July 2024, the Animal Welfare Clinic at Colobus Conservation took on 21 welfare cases of animals facing the plights of accidents, disease and injuries. These included nine (9) Sykes monkeys, six (6) Colobus monkeys, four (4) baboons, one vervet monkey, and one galago.

Notably, one Sykes monkey was successfully treated and released back into the wild, while two other Sykes monkeys were entered into long-term rehabilitation programs.

ANAW AT THE BUSINESS OF ANIMAL LAW CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK

ANAW engaged in conversations with attorneys at the Business of Animal Law Conference, of the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) during the July 15 to 27, 2024 trip to the USA.

The Executive Director of ANAW, Josphat Ngonyo, spoke on Animal Welfare challenges in Africa and how they can be addressed, the engagement with governments, the progress of the Animal Welfare, Environment and Sustainable Development Nexus Resolution being implemented by UNEP and the need to understand animal sentience. He also discussed the impacts of the Serengeti Court case and the National Judicial Dialogues, both of which Africa Network for Animal Welfare has been involved in among others successful outcomes. The talk elicited positive feedback. ANAW participated actively at the conference and concurred on the need to first engage governments before litigation.

ANAW also participated at the High-Level Political Forum at the UN Headquarters where amongst others engaged with several Government representatives, legislators, UN staff, private sector and civil society partners.

ANAW also held a meeting with the Kenyan Ambassador to the UN and discussed Civil Society engagement with the relevant Government ministries in Kenya. This is in addition to participation in the Compassion in the Wild Farming side event, Making Nitrogen Visible, at the UN, in New York.

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