Chinese organization donates vehicle to Kenyan wildlife conservancy

A Chinese-led organization donated Tuesday a vehicle to a conservancy in southwest Kenya to facilitate anti-poaching efforts.

Zhuo Qiang, founder of Mara Conservation Fund, said during the hand-over ceremony, that the vehicle donated to OL Kinyei Conservancy is to help the rangers' fight against poaching, as well as study the movements of big cats like lions.

"We used to patrol by walk. Now with this vehicle, it is easier for us to track those sick animals like the elephants," said Philip Tompoi, a ranger at the conservancy.

Simon Nkoitoi, senior warden with the OL Kinyei Conservancy, said the vehicle comes in time.

"It is a very big move. We now can cover our whole conservancy in short time. The vehicle will enhance our wildlife monitor and management efficiency. It will also help us fight against poaching and minimize illegal grazing," said Nkoitoi.

It is not the first time Zhuo and his foundation make donations to the conservancy since its founding in 2011.

In 2014, the foundation donated a motorcycle, some cameras and mobile radios to the conservancy to facilitate patrol and anti- poaching efforts. It also donated four vehicles and other equipment, like GPS and spot lights, to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Kenya Wildlife Service in 2013.

The foundation, based in the conservancy, is the first wildlife organization run by a Chinese in Africa. It is dedicated to protecting the big cats, saving wildlife habitat, reducing human- animal conflict, and raising public awareness.

Covering an area of 73 square kilometers, the OL Kinyei Conservancy is an important corridor in the northern end of Mara- Serengeti ecosystem. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests. Endi