In Northern Kenya, outside protected areas, lions and people are learning to coexist. The diverse tribes that traverse the wilds of northern Kenya are primarily pastoralists who raise sheep, goats, camels, and cows, the wealth of their land. As these nomadic pastoralists traverse the landscape, they cross paths with carnivores, the biggest of which are lions
Confined to parks, the lion population dwindled and was on the brink of disappearing. Only 2,000 remain in Kenya. In 2007, only 11 were found in the protected areas of the Samburu-Isiolo ecosystem, with few, if any, outside parks. Ewaso Lions began working with communities to reverse this trend, creating one of the few places in Africa where lions exist outside protected areas, allowing community lands to once again serve as an important habitat for big cats.
With over 50 lions now roaming the area, many of whom have made permanent residence in community lands, it is clear that the key to saving lions in northern Kenya lies in involving local people in conservation.
Protect Lions in Kenya
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect lions.
Lions—Ewaso:
Ewaso Lions
Choose an amount to donate:
1,000+
Invasive Species Trees Removed
in 3 months by Mama Simba program, with women leading habitat recovery work and safeguarding key lion habitats.
7
Lions Kids Camps in 2025
Reaching hundreds of children and deepening their connection to wildlife.
1,900+
Dogs and Cats Vaccinated
In 2025 through Kura’s Pride program to keep communities and lions safe.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Warrior Watch
Ewaso Lions trains Samburu warriors, a group historically neglected in conservation decision-making, on conservation topics to map wildlife presence and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Following lion attacks on livestock, the Warriors encourage herders not to take retaliatory action and help recover lost livestock. Warriors also receive educational lessons in English, Kiswahili, and arithmetic.
Thriving People
Lion Kids Camp & Scholarships
Ewaso Lions’ Lion Kids Camp teaches children, the future stewards of Kenya’s wildlife, about lions’ value, threats, and techniques to promote peaceful coexistence. They also provide scholarships for formal secondary and tertiary education, coupled with mentorship from Ewaso Lions, ensuring that as students learn, they do not forget their culture or devalue where they came from.
Thriving People
Mama Simba
To empower women in all aspects of their lives, the Mama Simba program includes weekly literacy classes, drawing on issues of daily Samburu life to make learning more practical and enjoyable. Mama Simba ladies are provided with the knowledge and skills they need to reduce their environmental impact, improve livelihoods, and help conserve and coexist with wildlife.
Quote“Lion conservation is about people. The success of lion conservation hinges on the involvement of the local people who live alongside lions.”
Dr. Shivani Bhalla, Founder & Executive Director Ewaso Lions
