Enhancing Climate Resilience: People and Wildlife

We are writing to provide an update on the Enhancing Climate Resilience: People and Wildlife project, made possible by your generous support.

The devastating impacts of climate change have been starkly evident at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Once again, we find ourselves facing the consequences of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The region has experienced unprecedented weather patterns, shifting from a prolonged drought to severe flooding in just a few months highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience.

After enduring 20 months of below-average rainfall, we welcomed the return of much-needed precipitation in late 2023. However, the extraordinary rainfall in April and May caused widespread flooding across the conservancy. The Ewaso Nyiro river burst its banks, inundating our chimpanzee enclosures and many roads became impassable. 

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was particularly hard hit by the flooding. We estimate that approximately 30% of the area became unusable for much of the May. The damaged fences necessitated housing the chimpanzees in smaller enclosures, leading to increased tension and occasional aggression within the group.

While the devastating floods caused significant challenges, there have been some positive outcomes. The abundant rainfall has revitalized our grasslands, attracting a diverse array of wildlife. These positive signs of ecological recovery are a testament to the resilience of our ecosystem.

The coming months will be busy as we work diligently to restore our infrastructure and ensure the long-term sustainability of Ol Pejeta - your continued belief in our mission is invaluable as we navigate these challenging times.

We are optimistic about the future and grateful for your partnership.