Born Free sponsors vital wildlife conference
Our team has played a key role in a major international scientific conference in Kenya. Ivy Malemba, Kenya Communications Manager, reports on promoting science-based conservation and strengthening partnerships.
The Born Free Kenya team with their award for our outstanding support and participation
Born Free was proud to recently participate in the 2nd International Wildlife Scientific Conference, at the Lake Naivasha Resort, in southern central Kenya. The event, organised by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute in conjunction with Born Free and other partners, brought together leading voices in wildlife conservation.
“The 2nd Wildlife Research and Training Institute conference in Naivasha was a remarkable convergence of science, policy, and conservation,” said a delighted Karen Botha, Born Free’s Managing Director, who attended the event. “The three-day event yielded impactful insights, strategic collaborations, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s precious natural heritage.”
The conference was officially opened by a high-level government delegation, led by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Mr Felix Koskei EGH (Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart). This underscored the national importance of wildlife research and data in decision-making.
Our involvement kicked off at the highest level, with Born Free’s Head of Kenya Conservation, Dr David Manoa, first serving on the conference planning committee, then addressing the conference and showing our inspiring Pathways to Freedom film, then moderating a key session – Leveraging science and combating illegal wildlife trade.
Dr David Manoa addressing the conference
A forum for cutting-edge science
Over three days, the conference explored critical themes through an incredible series of presentations. Having attended the wonderful opening ceremony, our 13-strong team – led by Karen Botha, engaged with delegates and listened to keynote addresses. These set the tone for discussions spanning nine vital sub-themes – from wildlife health and climate change, to policy governance and the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Showcasing Born Free’s scientific work
We were thrilled to showcase the scientific rigour of our conservation programmes through three presentations:
- Newton Simiyu, our Saving Meru’s Giants Manager, presented findings from his November 2022 – March 2025 study, Influence of habitat types on elephant behaviour and distribution in Meru National Park. He demonstrated how elephant group structure varies across habitats, supporting the need for habitat-specific conservation strategies.
Reflecting on the event, Simiyu said, “I was deeply inspired by the collective call to action among scientists to become vocal advocates for wildlife conservation. The conference was a powerful reminder that science must not only inform, but also speak passionately, for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
- Michael Mugo, our Pride of Meru Manager, presented his study Spotted hyena-human interactions within the Meru Conservation Area. His research, conducted from July 2022 to June 2025, highlights how the vilification of spotted hyenas biases conservation support and aims to optimise mitigation techniques for human-carnivore conflict.
“The conference was a convergence of wonderful ideas in science, great minds in research and progressive solutions,” Mugo noted. “The action points delivered reminded every participant of the urgency to reverse further decline of wildlife.”
- Linda Kimotho, our GIS and Data Manager, presented a poster detailing her work Using GIS techniques to assess elephant habitat connectivity between Meru, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves.
Her research uses advanced spatial analysis to identify crucial elephant corridors and ‘pinch points’ under threat from human activity.
A model of a predator-proof boma at Born Free’s conference stand
A collective effort for conservation
Beyond presenting, our team actively engaged throughout the conference, learning from peers and showcasing our projects at an exhibition booth. We are immensely proud to have supported the conference both financially and through our team’s active participation.
Recognised for our commitment
The conference culminated in a significant honour for Born Free, as we were formally recognised with an award for our outstanding support and participation. This accolade underscored the value of our long-term partnership with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and the respect our field-based research commands within the scientific community.
The 2nd International Wildlife Scientific Conference was more than a gathering; it was a vibrant testament to the power of collaborative, science-led conservation. Born Free’s integral role – from shaping the agenda to sharing ground-breaking research from the field – highlights our commitment to ensuring conservation strategy is informed by robust evidence.
The connections made and knowledge gained in Naivasha will directly enhance our work in Meru and Amboseli. As we look forward to the next conference in 2027, we are reinvigorated in our mission to promote coexistence between people and wildlife, armed with new insights and strengthened partnerships.