KWS rangers rescue buffalo trapped inside an old water tank

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) team in Laikipia alongside Lolldaiga rangers, successfully rescued a sub-adult female buffalo that was trapped inside an old water tank in the Lolldaiga Conservancy.

According to a statement from KWS, the rescue mission began with draining the water from the tank.

“Once the water level had subsided, the team filled the tank with stones, creating a makeshift ramp for the buffalo to climb out. With the tank now filled, the buffalo was able to regain its footing and make its way back to the wild, unharmed,” reads the statement, in part.

“This successful rescue operation underscores the importance of proactive wildlife management and highlights the dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect our natural heritage.”

The rescue operation comes about a week after Rebecca Miano, the new Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of tourism and wildlife officially assumed office.

In her address to staff, Miano expressed her appreciation for the KWS warm reception and honoured those who have sacrificed their lives in conservation efforts.

She acknowledged KWS as a cornerstone of the Tourism ministry and praised the "Tunza Mali Yako" campaign, for promoting conservation awareness and fostering ownership.

CS Miano highlighted the crucial role of KWS in Kenya’s economy, where tourism ranks as the second-largest revenue generator.

The CS reaffirmed her commitment to staff welfare, recognizing the challenges faced by KWS personnel in their conservation efforts.

She stressed the importance of building strong relationships with communities around parks and shared her vision for a vibrant KWS dedicated to its conservation mandate.

“I pledge full support for the organisation’s mission, emphasising integrity, the promotion of the wildlife economy for job creation, and community engagement to preserve biodiversity,” she stated.

The Cabinet Secretary expressed her dedication to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, prioritising initiatives that benefit both wildlife and local communities while reinforcing KWS’s integral role in national development.