The Wildlife Foundation
The Wildlife Foundation (TWF) is a Kenya registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to support conservation biodiversity sustainability and conserve wildlife dispersal areas through innovative technology and benefit sharing with communities.  TWF was established in the year 2000 as part of a response to an immense need to save Kenya’s wildlife dispersal areas in general and the wildlife dispersal area of Nairobi National Park in particular from increasing pressures of uncontrolled development, land fragmentation and human/wildlife conflict.

TWF works with different partners, including Kenya Wildlife Service, County Governments and other non-profit organizations to conserve and protect the wildlife dispersal areas under the concept of benefit sharing with local communities and through supporting different programmes that facilitate sustainable land use, income generation, adoption of low cost green energy technologies, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, and awareness of conservation in general. These programmes enable conservation of biodiversity in critical wildlife dispersal areas of and contribute to the uplifting of the livelihoods of the local pastoral communities.

The Wildlife Foundation has adapted sustainable concepts of conservation in the Nairobi National Park wildlife dispersal area by also establishing The Wildlife Foundation Centre and facilitating the establishment of the Naretunoi Community Wildlife Conservancy as part of the on-going efforts to promote the local Maasai community by ensuring that open grazing lands for both livestock and wildlife are protected and conserved. 

The Wildlife Foundation Centre was established to help students and faculty gain perspectives on modern Masai culture and their lifestyles in harmony with wildlife. In turn, this has tremendous community benefits.  Each dollar spent at the Centre goes to the community, primarily through lease payments (Payment for Ecosystem Services) and salary payments to the locally recruited staff to run the Centre.

Protecting Kenya’s Wildlife: Inside TWF’s Conservation Activities

At The Wildlife Foundation (TWF), our commitment to conservation goes beyond protecting wildlife—it extends to empowering communities and ensuring sustainable land use. Through various initiatives, we strive to maintain biodiversity, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote eco-friendly livelihoods.

Here’s a look at some of the key activities we undertake to protect Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage and support local communities:

1. Litter Pick-Up: Keeping Wildlife Habitats Clean

One of the biggest threats to wildlife is plastic pollution and improper waste disposal. TWF organizes regular litter pick-up drives in key wildlife corridors, particularly around the Nairobi National Park and the Naretunoi Community Wildlife Conservancy.

Why It Matters:

• Wildlife can accidentally ingest plastic waste, leading to fatal consequences.
• A clean environment prevents contamination of water sources.
• It enhances the beauty of natural landscapes, supporting eco-tourism.

TWF collaborates with local schools, community members, and conservation volunteers to educate people on the importance of proper waste disposal. Through awareness campaigns, we encourage sustainable waste management practices such as recycling and biodegradable alternatives.

2. Camera Traps: Monitoring Wildlife for Conservation

To better understand animal behavior and migration patterns, TWF has set up camera traps in strategic locations within wildlife dispersal areas. These motion-activated cameras help in:

• Tracking nocturnal wildlife movements
• Identifying endangered species
• Monitoring predator-prey interactions

The data collected from camera traps is shared with researchers, conservationists, and local authorities to improve conservation strategies. For example, the presence of large predators like lions and leopards in certain areas helps communities prepare better for coexistence while reducing human-wildlife conflict.

3. Invasive Species Removal: Restoring Natural Habitats

Invasive plant species pose a major challenge to the health of natural ecosystems by:

• Outcompeting native vegetation
• Reducing food availability for herbivores
• Altering soil composition and water retention

TWF works with environmental experts and community volunteers to remove invasive species such as Opuntia (prickly pear cactus), which spreads rapidly and prevents native plants from thriving. By clearing these invasive plants, we restore biodiversity and improve grazing lands for both wildlife and livestock.

4. Bead Work: Empowering Women Through Conservation

Conservation isn’t just about wildlife—it’s also about supporting local communities. Through the TWF Bead Work Initiative, we empower Maasai women by providing them with opportunities to create and sell handcrafted beadwork, such as:

• Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
• Decorative wildlife-themed beadwork
• Cultural Maasai jewelry

This initiative provides an alternative income source, reducing reliance on land-intensive livestock farming and promoting sustainable conservation practices. The beadwork is often sold in eco-tourism markets, online platforms, and conservation fundraising events.

5. Game Count: Tracking Wildlife Populations

Understanding wildlife population trends is crucial for effective conservation planning. TWF organizes periodic game counts, where trained conservationists, community rangers, and volunteers track and document the numbers of different wildlife species.

How It’s Done:

• Observers use binoculars and GPS tracking to record wildlife sightings.
• Data is collected on species diversity, population density, and movement patterns.
• The information is analyzed to assess the health of wildlife populations and guide conservation strategies.

Why It’s Important:

✔ Early detection of declining species allows intervention before populations reach critical levels.
✔ Understanding seasonal migrations helps in securing wildlife corridors.
✔ Promotes eco-tourism by identifying areas rich in biodiversity.

Game counts have played a significant role in documenting wildlife recovery in conservation areas. For instance, recent surveys in the Naretunoi Conservancy have shown a steady increase in herbivore populations, which in turn supports predator species like lions and cheetahs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Conservation with TWF

At TWF, we believe that conservation is a shared responsibility. Whether it’s cleaning up litter, tracking wildlife, restoring habitats, or empowering communities, every initiative brings us closer to our mission of harmonizing human-wildlife coexistence.

We invite volunteers, conservationists, and local communities to join us in making a difference. Through collective efforts, we can ensure a future where Kenya’s wildlife and people thrive together.

How You Can Get Involved

???? Volunteer for conservation activities.
???? Support our beadwork initiative by purchasing handcrafted items.
???? Sponsor a camera trap to help with wildlife monitoring.
???? Donate to help us expand our programs.

Every action counts. Let’s work together to protect Kenya’s wildlife for generations to come.