I dreamt that a new party wanted me as their symbol.

Because I never change my spots, they said. I had to consider this very carfully because I already serve as Chaircat on the board of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. So I asked them what this new party was all about.

I had heard about such things. Here in Kenya they used to have a cockerel for one party and a donkey for another.

 The donkey is popular because they use it in America too. Then an African, the mighty elephant was given the job of symbol for another party. It didn’t mean too much because the only african american presidential hopeful  there did not join the party with the african elephant. He went for the donkey. The incumbent there stands with the elephant. Maybe because his name suggests that without him even the mighty elephant cannot survive. It’s all very complicated.

Obviously the position of a party symbol is an honor that could be a disaster in the making, so I asked many questions.

The party, they said, was not political. It was not religeous either. It didn’t even belong to any one country. The members could be of any race or species from worms to elephants and apes to humans. All had a right to live on earth but only in the order allocated by voting. Each species’ voting power had to do with how  much food they represented to other species and how much they consumed. An interesting concept but it left me way down the food chain as a major consumer. Humans also did not do too well but promised to compete more honestly. I remember the honey bee was so outstanding they almost offered her the position of symbol.

Then I woke up and realized it was only a dream. Maybe you can finish the dream for me.

I fully agree, we critters never had TV.

Except for the spoilt bat-eared Fox “Brit”

She was already addicted to watching a young age, but she only watched animal shows.

Her favorite was a video of ME the Cheetah running!!

The Lions frightened her.

Do your animals watch TV??

What do they watch?

Talk to me, I will send a free animal video to the best response!!

Yours truly was not invited.

Maybe because you cannot trust a Cheetah with politics, but let me tell you:

We never change spots!

For those of us that are born optimists, 2007 has started well.

Unusual amounts of heavy precipitation may have caused some havoc in parts of East Africa, but for us here at the Conservancy the rain has had some very positive results. The vegetation is once again very lush and thick, the way it has not been for many years.

Birdlife is abundant. There have been comparatively few orphaned animals brought in, probably due to the fact that the rain has allowed nature to feed her own.

Our big New Years gift has been an unusual award: The esteemed American Association of Zoos and Aquariums every year carefully studies wildlife efforts all over the world. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy has been placed third on their list of…

“Top Ten Wildlife Conservation Success Stories of 2006″

Much work has gone into the Bongo breeding for rehabilitation program. All of us here are mighty proud and honored over the recognition by the AAZPA.

Bongo News Updates Page

In my own world (of Cheetahs) there is as yet not too much progress to report.

Some years ago declining Cheetah populations prompted well intentioned worldwide conservation bodies to impose international laws to stop the “trade” in Cheetahs and their skins. While all of this has focused positive attention on the plight of the Cheetah, it has also resulted in some negative aspects.

Scientists tell us that many years ago the Cheetah population went through a genetic tunnel, meaning that all Cheetahs became as closely related as brothers. Due to their poor reproductive abilities following this decline the species came to the brink of extinction. Through the efforts of Cheetah conservation, the picture has improved somewhat. But especially in East Africa the future of these beautiful animals is far from secure.

Cheetahs Although it is agreed there is only one species of Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with no subspecies, some scientists are totally opposed to mixing the South African with the East African Cheetah. We are not qualified to form an opinion on the merits of this highly specialized genetic intelligence. The practical result of this resistance to captive breed from other secure stock could be disastrous for the East African Cheetah.

In layman’s terms these are the facts:

South Africa, where Cheetah breeding has been most successful, does not encourage export for breeding of their captive born Cheetah. (Some say they have however exported Cheetahs to the Arab block?).

In Namibia, Cheetahs are very well preserved due to the efforts of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In fact they are doing so well that the Namibian Government has forbidden captive breeding there, because they have too many cheetahs turned stock killers already. Export however once again is not allowed or encouraged following international regulations and/or opposition to inter-African breeding. Talk about a catch 22!!

The Chaircat To the north of us, Somalia has long struggled to control the exploitation of the shrinking populations of game there. Many animals have been confiscated and ended up in well run facilities in Dubai, where by sheer numbers successful breeding has taken place. To the best of our knowledge none have been released or repatriated to Africa. Rehabilitation to Somalia of course would at this time not make much sense for obvious reasons. Rehabilitation the northern Ranchlands of Kenya is the obvious answer. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is ready and willing to participate. Let us hope that the International bodies who have successfully stopped the exploitation of Cheetahs will now see the merits in allowing the translocation of a breeding nucleus to assist the East African populations. The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is ready to start a breeding – for rehabilitation program.
On a more cheerful note, our talented web designer turned travel writer Chuck Cavanaugh. has joined us here to see our the operations of the Conservancy first hand.

At first Chuck, a “big city boy,” was apprehensive about the merits of life in Africa. There is an old Swahili saying: “Once you have drunk the waters of Africa you will return to drink again.” I think we have a convert and made a friend for life!!

This month two of the Conservancy’s Trustees have been invited to give a helping hand to the plight of the Asiatic Lion in India, by sharing their knowledge at a symposium there.

Iris will speak about the important role of a wild animal shelter in Conservation. Don’s expert advice is sought following successful translocations of species and rehabilitation back to their natural habitats. Both consider this invitation a great honor and a tribute to the achievements of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

It seems my friends, our work is gaining international recognition!

Wishing you all a wonderful spring, I remain…

With the holiday season in full swing and the New Year on the doorstep I have much good news to report.

At long last it has now been confirmed that one small group of Bongo still survives on Mount Kenya. The group are reported to live in a remote area of dense forest, almost impenetrable to man. They have managed to remain hidden there undetected for almost ten years. The Conservancy’s work to breed the mountain bongo for the eventual return to Mount Kenya is progressing well and now becomes more important than ever.

Research is ongoing and we will keep you informed in our bongo rehabilitation segment.

The other good news I have for you concerns our striped friends, the rare white Zebra. A group of 50 of these magnificent animals gets to celebrate the New Year in the freedom of Mount Kenya National Park where their ancestors are reputed to have roamed. The release of this first group comes after thirty years of selective breeding of these rare beauties. It is a milestone to celebrate at our Conservancy.

Here at the animal orphanage we have seen our share of positive changes and improvements. Mores space has been allocated to accommodate more orphans. The kitchen had a makeover. Under Drs. Sayers’ and Murugi’s guidance and Fundi’s supervision our distinctive care programs for individual species of orphaned or injured animals has been streamlined and facilities improved.

A new home has been constructed to accommodate the porcupines (Shamba raiders now in rehab!!) Meanwhile several of our orphanage “graduates” have successfully been released back to the wild. Several new orphans were rescued and settled into their safe heaven.

Recent arrivals include several “bottle babies” keeping us busy.

It is a joy watching our devoted animal caregivers turn a frightened motherless starved and listless little wild animal into the happy and delightful youngsters romping the greens at the Orphanage.

Our very own new Cheetah enclosures have been upgraded to suit our needs better and improve chances of our as yet unsuccessful attempts of “starting a family”.

We are now able to move between four different areas. Summonsed by the charms of the ever graceful Cheetah ‘Diana’ we are able to visit when called upon, and feline favors are now more frequently granted to Bill and myself, so-to-speak! Watch this space for more ‘intimate’ announcements. (If need be we too may have to turn to Namibia to adopt!!)

On behalf of all our friends here at the Animal Orphanage, be it human, primate, feline, equine, striped, spotted or even “quilled,”, we wish all our family of friends and supporters a wonderful holiday season in the hopes that the New Year will shower us all with peace, love and success.

I must apologize for my prolonged absence…

Lately developments here the animal Orphanage have seen me literally pushed into the background. I have not been privileged to share the affections of our lovely female Cheetah Isis. For some time now, preference and visitation privileges have favored the handsome Cheetah “Sultan.”

Sadly for her, Isis has equally rejected the Sultan’s advances. After all, his beauty is only spotted skin deep. At last they have permitted us back to visit and enjoy female feline companionship on a regular basis again. Lately there is talk of settling other female replica near us. The accommodations are almost ready and we are most excited about the prospects. Meanwhile, we look forward for you to visit us at our Sanctuary here at the Orphanage.

His films have in the past focused on the Conservancy’s progress and drawn attention to the need to rehabilitate this unique magnificent Antelope to their rightful ancestral home on Mount Kenya.

Meanwhile, our new neighbors managing the Mount Kenya Safari Club are the famed Fairmont Hotels and Resorts group. Already we have met and befriended many of their talented leaders, a group of passionate, charismatic professionals whose mission is to:

“Celebrate Kenya and provide services that enrich the experiences and turn moments into memories for our guests.”

A motto after my own heart!

And with that my dear friends, I leave you to enjoy a truly Kenyan story where courage, love and determination overcame insurmountable obstacles and paved the way to freedom for many of the countries much loved gentle giants.

And it all started here at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy’s Animal Orphanage!

Our short rainy season started early this year, and very welcome after the devastating drought of the first 6 months which cost the lives of many of our older friends in the animal world.

In-between the storm clouds, God’s mountain reveal itself dressed in white, as if to prepare for the festive season ahead. The Conservancy is green and sparkling with dew and clusters of color from the wild flowers and shrubs. The early rain has brought an abundance of colorful tropical birds as well, all chattering with the message of plentiful food for all.

Our feature story for the holidays: The Last Wilderness, describes one of the most beautiful parts of Kenya, a harsh and hot place of rugged beauty, seldom seen by the average visitor. This is one of the few places left on earth where the vast herds of game still roam freely.

But back to the birds… of another kind: Our friend and supporter Tim Lapage reports on his airborne Safari of 2004. A unique trip of adventure from Ethiopia to the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom of Africa” piloting his own plane with precious cargo: Read all about it in our section: Safari Sampler.

In our own world here at the Conservancy there’s good news too. We have seen 4 new baby bongos born so far this year. If my big amber eyes don’t fool me, I would say, eyeing the bongo herd nearby every early morning, that we can with certainty expect to have two more additions before the year is out. It is wonderful to see the young at play, knowing that their future will be in the dense Mount Kenya forests where their ancestors once roamed.

As for us, the spotted Sphinx Diana, Bill and myself, and our visiting friend Sultan, we have been busy sorting out our own “private lives and territories” in our new breeding bomas. As yet there is no special announcement to be made, but believe me, we are working on it!!

We wish all our friends and supporters from all over the world a very happy holiday season. Your continued support is essential to our survival in the wild.