Ol Pejeta - Reflections on 2022

REFLECTIONS ON 2022

WILDLIFE IN CRISIS

It has widely been reported that global wildlife populations have plummeted nearly 70% on average since 1970. Kenya is no different, and it’s remarkable biodiversity is facing many threats –from habitat loss and unsustainable development to climate change and the consequent resource scarcity, fires, and poaching. There are eight near threatened, five endangered and one critically endangered species that call Ol Pejeta home. We are committed to securing space for their survival, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Our vision is to establish ourselves as a leader in innovative, sustainable development. We are committed to not only conserving biodiversity, with a particular focus on protecting endangered species, but also driving economic growth and improving the lives of rural communities.

Home to the largest population of black rhino in East Africa and the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, we play a crucial role in the conservation of these critically endangered animals. We are also home to a sanctuary for chimpanzees, rescued from the black market.

In addition to our efforts to protect, preserve and rehabilitate these species, we also engage in a variety of other initiatives designed to promote sustainability and support local communities. These include renewable energy projects, community outreach programs, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Kenya has been experiencing a severe drought in recent years, which has had a major impact on the country’s wildlife and communities. We have been working hard to mitigate the effects of the drought and ensure the safety of the animals and people within our borders.

Despite the challenges posed by the drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to weather the storm thanks to the generous support of our visitors, partners and donors. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your generosity and commitment to our cause. Your support has been invaluable and we hope that you will continue to stand with us as we look ahead to 2023 and beyond.

William Fortescue

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CEO, JUSTIN HEATH

We are delighted to have welcomed our new CEO Justin Heath to Ol Pejeta in April 2022.

Justin joined us with extensive experience in conservation, community engagement, commerce, and renewable energy and had the following to say about joining the Ol Pejeta team:

“The world has lost many, if not most, of its mammals. Africa is the last place in the world with such a density of megafauna.”

160 BLACK RHINOS

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of climate change and habitat destruction, it is more important than ever to prioritise the conservation of endangered species. This is particularly true for the black rhino, a species that was pushed to the brink of extinction due to poaching.

That’s why we are thrilled to announce that this year, we reached a major milestone in black rhino conservation: the birth of our 160th critically endangered eastern black rhino. This is an incredible achievement considering that we only had 20 on the conservancy back in 1993.

But that’s not all. This year has also been a recordbreaking one for black rhino births at our conservancy, with 22 new additions to the population. It’s safe to say that it has been a bumper year for rhino births, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome these new members to the community.

24 NORTHERN WHITE RHINO EMBRYOS

The BioRescue project has made great strides in its efforts to save the northern white rhino from extinction. So far, the team has successfully created 24 pure northern white rhino embryos using in vitro fertilisation techniques.

These embryos represent a significant step forward in the project’s ultimate goal of using stem cells to regenerate the species. Additionally, thanks to pioneering research from Osaka University, the team has made significant progress in creating primordial germ cells, the precursor to eggs and sperm, from northern white rhino stem cells. This research is crucial for the long-term survival and reproduction of the northern white rhino.

The team is dedicated to continuing its efforts to bring this majestic species back from the brink of extinction.

44 SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOS

As the year came to a close, we were filled with joy and excitement as we welcomed not one, not two, but four new southern white rhino calves to our conservancy. With the addition of these four new calves, our population of southern white rhinos has grown to a robust 44 individuals. And as we look back on the past five years, we are proud to celebrate a historic milestone: not a single rhino in our care has fallen victim to poaching.

“Ol Pejeta is globally recognised and respected for being a home to such a density of rhinos, and working here, I look forward to contributing to cutting edge and sustainable conservation across the landscape.”

“The groundbreaking scientific work we are establishing here will lay the groundwork for future conservation rescue initiatives.”

Thomas Hildebrandt

OUR RANGERS

Our rangers play a crucial role in protecting and conserving our natural world and the communities that live alongside it. They are responsible for maintaining the safety of the wildlife, as well as the people who live in the surrounding areas.

Over the past five years, the conservancy’s rangers have been instrumental in safeguarding the wildlife within Ol Pejeta by not only addressing human-wildlife conflict cases and monitoring rhinos but also facilitating translocations, carrying out wildlife interventions and supporting the surrounding community.

Our K9 Unit has also played a key role in maintaining the safety of both the wildlife and the surrounding communities. Our tracker dogs are trained to detect and follow the scent of poachers, making it much more difficult for them to operate undetected.

In addition to their efforts to combat poaching, rangers also play a crucial role in responding to incidents of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC).

As the competition for resources such as food and water increases due to failed rains, wildlife may turn to the farming communities outside the conservancy for sustenance. This can lead to crop raiding, trampled farmlands, and cattle predation, all of which can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of local communities.

In 2022, the conservancy’s rangers responded to and handled all 157 reported incidents of HWC, covering a total distance of 1,116km. Their quick response and effective action have helped to mitigate the impact of these incidents on both wildlife and the communities.

Overall, the role of a ranger is crucial in protecting the natural world and the communities that coexist with it.

“Wildlife is the backbone of Ol Pejeta Conservancy and watching wildlife roam here makes me feel proud of our work as rangers.”

Simon Ewoi, Head Southern Sector Supervisor

Lara Jackson

OUR COMMUNITIES

In 2022, with the help of our partners and donors, we have made a significant impact in our community. We awarded 150 scholarships to local students, engaged 24 apprentices in rhino habitat conservation, built 10 classrooms and renovated an entire school, and even installed a borehole at a primary school. We are grateful for the support that has allowed us to make these positive changes.

1

BOREHOLE INSTALLED

10

CLASSROOMS BUILT

24

RHINO HABITAT CONSERVATION

APPRENTICES

150 SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL SCHOOLCHILDREN

OUR AWARDS

We are beyond thrilled to have not only won the prestigious 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, but also to be recognised as Africa’s Leading Conservation Company at the 2022 World Travel Awards. Despite the challenges of recent years, these awards are a testament to our dedication to creating exceptional experiences for our guests.

2022 EVENTS

It was another busy year, with several exciting events taking place to support our conservation efforts.

The Global Gala for Rhinos in partnership with Helping Rhinos was a standout success, raising over $120,000 to protect our rhino strongholds.

Another highlight was The Yoga For The Wild Yoga Retreat, bringing together a community of people passionate about mindfulness and wildlife conservation.

The world’s most unique cricket match took place and helped to raise funds and awareness of the plight of rhinos.

The launch of the competition with Kenya Airways offered a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for one lucky winner to visit Kenya and see the conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta first-hand.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary hosted the annual PASA veterinary workshop with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The workshop focused on the critical role of veterinary care for primates with discussions on anesthesia, TB and infectious disease management.

OUR AMBASSADORS

It’s been another year of tireless work for our Ol Pejeta Ambassadors as they strive to promote our conservation efforts.

Our Global Ambassador Ami Vitale has been using her platform to advocate for the northern white rhino and even held a print sale in support of Ol Pejeta via her nonprofit Vital Impacts.

James Mwenda has continued being a vocal advocate for nature,

travelling to Austria to speak on wildlife conservation and was featured in a BBC Travel Show.

Our Young Ambassador Anay is also making a difference, representing Ol Pejeta at the Global Gala for Rhinos event and educating other children about the importance of conservation through the sale of his bandanas.

GLOBAL AMBASSA

SANCTUARY TAMBARARE

We were thrilled to celebrate the opening of Sanctuary Tambarare, a luxurious and peaceful haven surrounded by the stunning beauty of Mount Kenya. Voted by Vogue Magazine as one of the ‘24 best new hotels in the world’.

Its 10 elegant guest tests and attentive 5 star service, Sanctuary Tambarare blends indulgence with the natural beauty of the wild.

Contact

Lara Jackson

Lara Jackson