The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has begun a major animal rescue and relocation operation in Naivasha following habitat loss caused by environmental changes.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 5, the agency explained that the decision to move the animals was prompted by changes in the local environment that have made survival difficult for the wildlife.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service veterinary and capture teams are undertaking a rescue and translocation exercise of 15 Masai giraffes and about 150 common zebras from Manera Farm in Naivasha.
“Due to land-use changes and the swelling of Lake Naivasha, the animals have lost their natural habitat and access to sufficient food and water,” the statement read.
According to KWS, the animals are being transferred to new, safer environments that can support their long-term survival.
“They are being safely moved to Nairobi National Park and Naivasha Wildlife Sanctuary, where they can thrive and continue to contribute to Kenya’s rich biodiversity,” the statement added.
This comes a month after KWS relocated a problematic bull elephant from Meru County to Tsavo East National Park in an effort to address human-wildlife conflict.
In a statement on Monday, October 6, KWS confirmed that the elephant was captured in Kithoka Village near Imenti Forest after repeatedly breaching electric fences and raiding farms.
Following its capture, the animal was then transported over 400 kilometers away to its new home in Tsavo East.
“Recently, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Veterinary and Capture Unit successfully relocated a troublesome bull elephant from Kithoka Village near Imenti Forest, Meru County, to Tsavo East National Park – over 400 kilometers away. The elephant had become adept at breaching electric fences and raiding crops, posing a threat to local livelihoods,” the statement read.
KWS noted that the relocation was necessary not only to protect the community but also to prevent the elephant from influencing others in the herd.
“Known for their intelligence and strong memory, elephants can pass on learned behaviour. This relocation prevented the bull from teaching others his fence-breaking tactics and ensured his well-being in the vast 13,700-square-kilometer expanse of Tsavo East,” the statement read.
KWS noted that preventing conflicts between people and animals remains one of its top concerns, especially in areas where farming and settlements are expanding into wildlife habitats.
“This operation reflects KWS’s deep understanding of elephant behavior, ecology, and social dynamics – and reinforces our commitment to promoting sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
“Addressing human-wildlife conflict remains a key priority for the Kenya Wildlife Service, especially as expanding agricultural activities increasingly encroach on traditional wildlife habitats as witnessed in the Imenti Forest region. To reduce such conflicts, KWS continues to implement measures such as strategic fencing and, when necessary, the relocation of problematic animals,” the statement further read.
