To mark World Endangered Species Day (15th May 2026), we organised educational game drives focused on threatened wildlife for our Children in the Wilderness Eco-Club members from Margaret Kenyatta and Irbaan Primary schools. After a previously planned game drive had to be cancelled due to heavy rains, the learners were incredibly expectant. For most, this was their first game drive into our Governors’ area of the Masai Mara, making the experience a highly anticipated learning opportunity.
Our Governors’ Camp guide, Mika, noted that the students possessed a keen eye for birds, an interest clearly sparked during our recent World Migratory Bird Day activities.
Pin-tailed whydah- photo credit Felix Rome
This was evident when one learner quickly spotted a Pin-tailed whydah. Over the course of the day, the students identified a variety of species ranging from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered, whilst discovering that nature remains unpredictable; some of the species everyone was certain to spot, like cheetahs and lions, remained elusive.
Critically Endangered- African white-backed vulture- photo credit Felix Rome
The sightings they secured were rich in learning. They observed the African white-backed vulture, currently listed as Critically Endangered. The students discussed how retaliation from human-wildlife conflict is the main cause of their decline. When poison is targeted at predators like leopards and lions, it moves up the food chain, resulting in indirect poisoning that devastates these iconic birds of the Mara ecosystem.
Endangered- Bateleur- photo credit Felix Rome
A highlight was the sighting of an Endangered Bateleur, and the plains offered views of the Endangered Masai giraffe.
Endangered- Masai giraffe- photo credit Felix Rome
On the water’s edge, the students observed the Endangered Grey Crowned Cranes. The students were fascinated to learn that these cranes pair for life, painting a picture of a loyal partnership rarely seen in animals.
Endangered- Grey crowned cranes- photo credit Felix Rome
Near the waterways, the students spotted Vulnerable hippos and a massive Nile monitor lizard.
Vulnerable- Hippopotamus- photo credit Felix Rome
While some initially thought the lizard was an endangered rarity, they learned it is commonly seen in the Mara.
Nile monitor lizard- photo credit Felix Rome
The children were also thrilled by the discovery of a Hamerkop. Though not endangered, they were fascinated to learn that this bird builds the heaviest nests in the avian world, weighing up to 50 kilograms, which are so robust that leopards and African rock pythons have been known to use them for a siesta.
Hamerkop- photo credit Felix Rome
On the plains, the presence of the Endangered African savannah elephant and the Near-threatened plains zebra sparked excellent discussions. George, an Eco-Mentor from Irbaan Primary, shared how eye-opening it was for the students to learn that elephants are endangered despite the large numbers normally seen in the Mara.
Endangered- African savannah elephants- photo credit Felix Rome
He noted that conservation challenges are not always obvious, highlighting the role researchers play in informing us of the reality facing wildlife. Inspired by this, George plans to direct his learners toward research careers, expanding their horizons beyond the classic dream of tour guiding.
The game drives concluded with a discussion on flora. The learners observed threatened riverine vegetation and trees, such as wild figs and East African greenhearts. They discussed how riverine forests are increasingly threatened by human activities, including the growing desire to establish safari camps within protected riverine areas.
Vulnerable- East African greenhearts- photo credit Alisa Karstad
All in all, the learning was fun and insightful. We are told that the way the learners recounted their experience to others back at school left a noticeable sense of envy, and that joining the Eco-Club is swiftly becoming a highly sought-after privilege.
Margaret Kenyatta Eco-Club on Endangered Species Day
Irbaan Eco-Club on Endangered Species Day
Thank you to everyone involved in supporting this initiative; together we are impacting and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
We remain committed to making a positive impact on communities, educating future generations, and conserving Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.
If you would like to learn more about any of our Impact efforts, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected]. If you’d like to support the Children in the Wilderness Programme, you can do so via Empowers Africa:
EMPOWERS AFRICA
By Alisa Karstad, Kenya Impact Manager & Sharon Muthoni, CITW Community Coordinator.
