🛡️ Helping Rangers to Stop Poaching
Eyes in the sky & Protection on the ground
In 2011, some areas of Africa reported the highest level of elephant poaching ever recorded. In the Greater Mara Ecosystem alone, 96 elephants were killed for their ivory in 2012. At the peak of the crisis, an estimated 33,000 elephants were poached annually that’s one elephant every 15 minutes.
In 2011, some areas of Africa reported the highest level of elephant poaching ever recorded. In the Greater Mara Ecosystem alone, 96 elephants were killed for their ivory in 2012. At the peak of the crisis, an estimated 33,000 elephants were poached annually that’s one elephant every 15 minutes.
And while ivory poaching remains a threat, bushmeat poaching has emerged as a growing crisis. In 2023, Mara Elephant Project (MEP)recorded the highest levels of bushmeat poaching in over a decade — targeting wildlife like zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and antelope, often caught using deadly snares.
For years, Karen Blixen Camp Trust partnered with MEP to protect the elephants of the Mara. Our helicopter flew hundreds of hours over the Mara North Conservancy, supporting efforts to stop poachers, monitor elephant herds, and prevent deadly human-wildlife conflict.
In 2022, we donated the helicopter to MEP so they could have full and flexible access for their expanding operations. Today, MEP’s combination of GPS-collaring, ranger patrols, and real-time data is saving elephants and helping communities live more peacefully alongside wildlife.
Elephants are under threat — from poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and human conflict. But with the right tools, trust, and teamwork, they still have a future.
Support protection. Support coexistence. Support the elephant.
Every elephant counts — donate now to protect elephants
Your support helps stop poaching, protect wild spaces, and secure a future for elephants.