• The battle to protect the creatures who cannot speak continues
Image: GARETH JONES
At the east gate of the Nairobi National Park is a clear message from the past in the words of the first President of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
It reads: “The natural resources of this country – it’s wildlife which offers such an attraction to visitors from all over the world. The beautiful places in which these animals live, the mighty forests which guard the water catchment areas so vital for the survival of man and beast – are a priceless heritage for the future. The government of Kenya, fully realising the value of its natural resources, pledges itself to conserve them for posterity with all means at its disposal.”
The Nairobi National Park is a priceless treasure that needs to be kept for future generations. Col Mervyn Cowie was born in Nairobi in 1909. He tirelessly pursued the colonial government to set aside national parks in Kenya, starting with the Nairobi National Park.
July 31 was World Rangers Day, a time to remember the protecting duties of rangers. Irrespective of whether they are part of national organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Service, these toughened people play a vital role in ensuring the wildlife is protected.
We may never know all the names of those special people who really care about the wild creatures. However, I honestly believe that God, the creator of all life, does acknowledge and ultimately reward the efforts of those who worked selflessly.
Sadly a number of wildlife warriors, mostly field rangers have paid the ultimate price in Kenya, when fighting against poachers to protect wildlife. The battle to protect the creatures who cannot speak continues. Who will the unsung heroes of the future be?
I hope and pray that conservation efforts will continue to keep Kenya’s God-given natural heritage intact for future generations.
For more information you can link to the following website www.kws.go.ke