How the Maasai protect wildlife in Kenya
Overview of a privately managed wildlife sanctuary on the Laikipia Plateau, central Kenya.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Joe Sohm/Dreamstime.com
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Transcript
NARRATOR: Well over 10 percent of Kenya is made up of nature reserves. The fertile Laikipia Plateau is one of them. This nature reserve, however, is not a state-run national park, but a privately managed sanctuary, where man and beast can live together in harmony.
Simon Kenjaga is a chief of the proud Maasai tribe. He's constantly on the move, travelling across the land of his forefathers to look after his people and this natural paradise. He performs a fine balancing act between the past and the future. Many of the men from the surrounding Maasai villages are employed as rangers in the reserve. They're the best keepers in the land, thanks to their intimate knowledge of the natural world and their keen sense of perception. Before the reserve was established, many of them made a living from hunting. Today, they protect the wildlife from poachers - a considerable turnabout. The men may be in the bush for weeks at a time. They live in the most primitive conditions, but with state-of-the-art technology. They're in constant contact with HQ and in an emergency can radio for assistance. Right now, they're on a state of alert. Poachers have been spotted in the neighboring district. Although elephant hunting has long been outlawed, the black market trade in ivory is booming. After two solitary weeks in the bush, the rangers receive an important visit. Chief Simon Kenjaga likes to know how his people are doing. They tell him they love their jobs, but dread the long, lonely nights out in the bush. Simon understands their fears - each year around 100 people are killed by wild animals.
SIMON KENJAGA: "I warn my people not to go running about at night. There are buffalo, elephants and lions roaming about. Two of my people were killed by elephants and it has affected us deeply. Being outside after sunset is dangerous."
NARRATOR: The Maasai reserve is the largest reserve for the Grévy zebra. Its thinner stripes and white stomach differentiate it from its zebra cousins. Without protection it would be extinct within 50 years. The Maasai, Kenya's proud warriors, have - until now - been known for clinging to their old way of life. But when it comes to protecting wildlife, they're light-years ahead.
Simon Kenjaga is a chief of the proud Maasai tribe. He's constantly on the move, travelling across the land of his forefathers to look after his people and this natural paradise. He performs a fine balancing act between the past and the future. Many of the men from the surrounding Maasai villages are employed as rangers in the reserve. They're the best keepers in the land, thanks to their intimate knowledge of the natural world and their keen sense of perception. Before the reserve was established, many of them made a living from hunting. Today, they protect the wildlife from poachers - a considerable turnabout. The men may be in the bush for weeks at a time. They live in the most primitive conditions, but with state-of-the-art technology. They're in constant contact with HQ and in an emergency can radio for assistance. Right now, they're on a state of alert. Poachers have been spotted in the neighboring district. Although elephant hunting has long been outlawed, the black market trade in ivory is booming. After two solitary weeks in the bush, the rangers receive an important visit. Chief Simon Kenjaga likes to know how his people are doing. They tell him they love their jobs, but dread the long, lonely nights out in the bush. Simon understands their fears - each year around 100 people are killed by wild animals.
SIMON KENJAGA: "I warn my people not to go running about at night. There are buffalo, elephants and lions roaming about. Two of my people were killed by elephants and it has affected us deeply. Being outside after sunset is dangerous."
NARRATOR: The Maasai reserve is the largest reserve for the Grévy zebra. Its thinner stripes and white stomach differentiate it from its zebra cousins. Without protection it would be extinct within 50 years. The Maasai, Kenya's proud warriors, have - until now - been known for clinging to their old way of life. But when it comes to protecting wildlife, they're light-years ahead.
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