I'm outside the Maasai Mara in the Olderkesi Conservancy, based at Cottar's 1920's Camp, as I do more field research for setting up potential small projects that fit within the scope of our larger Spotlight Project. I met up with Chris Mahoney to check out the unimog Kiboko that Creatura bought when we first created Creatura...this machine will do multiple duty in the Conservancy as a transport/ambulance/mobile ranger station. Getting my first look at Kiboko was a bit of a shock as she needs A LOT of work. Her engine is good, and her gearbox, all the crucial bits, but she needs to be stripped down and built up again. I have to admit I started to worry about it, if we made a good decision buying Kiboko- but Chris mapped out the vision of what Kiboko can become and how much such a massive workhorse vehicle is needed in the area. Right now there is no community ambulance, and poaching rears it's ugly head occasionally, so just for those things alone (helping the Maasai community as well as the rangers who needs transport to keep a keen eye on protecting this area) Koboko can be a force for good. We are also trying to arrange a link up with some biologists in the area who are experts on the carnivores here to help us set up a Wild Dog Project. There are a lot of really boring logistics to deal with when you are running a non profit that I don't mention because like I said, it's BORING and often annoying and frustrating- but yesterday as I passed a herd of 30 giraffe, and then later saw a gorgeous pride of lions I was reminded why we do these things- because there is amazing beauty in this world despite being bombarded constantly with bad news and fretful politics (which will never go away). This beauty needs its guardians.
