First, we worked with landowners to secure the land. Nairrabala - a critical 37,500-acre wildlife corridor that connects Amboseli National Park to the north of the ecosystem - will now be protected by 20-year conservation land leases.

Then, we recruited. The area and it’s wildlife need protection, and ten new rangers were selected from the Olgulului ranch where Nairrabala is located. No one knows their home better than they do.

Next, we trained. The ten ranger recruits went through an intensive 1-month training course  at the Amboseli Conservation Academy, honing the skills needed to protect the wildlife and habitats entrusted to their care.

The Nairrabala unit is already in the field, operating as a newly minted mobile ranger team. Next, they’ll assess the best location for a permanent ranger outpost.

But for now, we celebrate. In April, we formally launched the Nairrabala Conservancy with a celebration led by the Olgulului Ranch Chairman, Daniel Leturesh, and Big Life’s Executive Chairman, Richard Bonham.

To commemorate the occasion, the newest addition to Big Life’s vehicle fleet was ceremonially handed over to the Nairrabala ranger unit with an exchange of keys and handshakes.

It was a joyous occasion, possible because of a community partnership, and you, our supporters around the world. As the Amboseli ecosystem subdivides and wild habitats are increasingly at risk of disappearing to human development, successes like Nairrabala are an accomplishment we all share.

Heartfelt thanks to the D.N. Batten Foundation for funding the vehicle and future outpost, Lenny’s Pennies Fund for sponsoring the ranger unit, and the Chantecaille Conservation Foundation and all our supporters the world over who responded to our call for funding to secure the leases for this first year.

Photos: Joshua Clay