Our planet Earth is rich in biodiversity which many consider to have intrinsic value. Yet, the purpose of biodiversity conservation is premised on the belief that each species has a value and a right to exist, whether or not it is known to have value to humans.
Going by the natural order of things, species coexist and rely on one another everywhere on the earth. Every living organism, including humans, is a part of ecosystems, which are intricate networks of interconnected relationships.
However, as climate change effects continue to worsen, protecting biodiversity becomes a matter of necessity. Around the world, wildlife species are becoming increasingly endangered, which explains Kenya’s delight at the birth of 200 newborn elephants.
In the year 2020, the population of elephants in Kenya witnessed a huge baby growth, with a little over 200 elephant babies being born; this was revealed by Kenya Animal Research and Training Institute’s wildlife census (KWRI).
Between 2012 and 2014, the number of elephants decreased from 35,588 to 32,214. Per the current report, the pachyderm population has grown to 36,280 individuals; a 12 percent increase over 2014, which was marked by a surge in poaching.
Sadly, Satao, a famous long-tusked male of about 50 years old who was murdered by a poisoned dart, died the same year in Kenya.
Najib Balala, the cabinet secretary for tourism and wildlife commented: “This is a true ray of light for all those who work tirelessly every day to save this famous animal of the African continent, which has faced numerous challenges.”
For Kenyan officials, the elephant population improvement is a “Covid-19 blessing.” Park visitation, poaching, and elephant-to-tourist interaction have all decreased as a result of the pandemic’s restrictions.
Magical Kenya and the Kenya Wildlife Service have developed a campaign to capitalize on elephant baby growth and improve Kenya’s devotion to wildlife protection.
By making a donation, businesses or individuals can name one of the 200 baby elephants born in 2020. Animal “adoption” is the term for this concept. Donors are not permitted to take the “adopted” baby elephants home as in a typical adoption for conservation reasons.
They will, however, get weekly updates on their elephant’s health and will be able to track its progress in its home park.
With a gift of 4,300 euros, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF, an international conservation organization focusing only on Africa’s wildlife and wild places) was one of the first to give a symbolic name to one of the Kenyan elephants.