Meet our Community Conservation Assistants

Meet Michael, Hassan, Samim and Patrick – four of our dedicated Community Conservation Assistants who, based amongst their own communities, work hard to protect wildlife.

Each time we chat, we’re so inspired by their dedication and hope for the future. We know you will be too! 

Left to right: Michael, Patrick, Samim, Hassan

In central Kenya, Meru is our charity’s heartland, where Elsa the lioness was returned to the wild. Born Free partners with local people to secure a safe future for lions, as well as elephants, giraffes, rhinos and other species.

On hand every day, the Community Conservation Assistants play a key role, providing vital on-the-ground knowledge and support, with a fleet of motorbikes helping them cover wider areas. Coming from the very communities they serve, they bring invaluable knowledge of the needs, conflicts and reality of living on the frontline with some of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife.

Growing up in communities in the south of Meru National Park, Michael and Hassan are part of the Pride of Meru lion conservation team, and help reduce conflict occurring between people and carnivores. Most people are pastoralists, and keep cattle, sheep and goats for their livelihoods. Carnivores, such as lions and hyenas, can target livestock, so Born Free helps communities to protect livestock and reduce any losses.

Michael and Hassan previously worked as scouts with our colleagues at the Kenya Wildlife Service, the national wildlife authority. “We provided the first line of defence when animals entered community lands, reporting animals in distress to the park management and maintaining the park fence,” Michael explains. “This was such useful experience before we started working for Born Free.” 

Livestock protected by predator proof bomas (c) georgelogan.co.uk

Today, the favourite part of their role is supporting their communities. “I like teaching Village Saving and Loan Association groups how to leverage their savings to start small businesses,” enthuses Hassan. “In an area where unemployment is high, such small businesses are the lifeline and help households improve their livelihoods.” 

“I enjoy the installation of flashing ‘predator deterrent lights’, and building ‘predator-proof boma’ enclosures,” Michael continues. “These are such impactful tools, helping people protect livestock, which stops retaliatory attacks on wildlife.” 

Patrick and Samim, meanwhile, come from the region north-west of the national park. Here our Saving Meru’s Giants programme helps communities live alongside wildlife, not least elephants. This fertile area offers the perfect environment for crops to grow but, keeping growing plants safe from elephants and other foraging herbivores is no easy task. 

Interestingly, both Patrick and Samin were previously farmers, giving them vital insight. “I worked in fish and crop farming, activities I continue to practice,” says Patrick. “These roots in agriculture strengthened my connection to the land, and shaped my passion for conservation.” 

Similarly to Patrick, Samim relied on the soils and the seasons to support her family. “This background helped shape my appreciation for nature. My life has always been closely connected to the land.” 

But what would they consider the best part of their job? “Since joining Born Free, my most important role has been creating awareness,” shares Samim. “Previously, many people had little understanding of wildlife behaviour – which led to serious injuries, even deaths, as well as retaliatory attacks on animals. Through education and open dialogue, I’ve witnessed remarkable change, and people now understand how to stay safe.” 

Patrick shares this passion. “I value every opportunity to help people understand the importance of human–wildlife coexistence. Through community meetings, conversations, and training, I strive to help people see wildlife not as threats but as part of the environment we share. 

“The role has transformed my life and deepened my understanding of conservation. 70% of wild animals live outside protected areas, so communities like mine play a major role in their survival. Wildlife faces daily challenges, especially the struggle to access water. This motivates me to seek solutions to promote their coexistence with people.” 

A wild hyena

Hassan has seen how his position has inspired people. “They see an opportunity for more conservation jobs in future. My role has raised morale, so the community is now able to take on conservation messages. For example, people used to chase away hyenas, but this has changed over time. I see a future where hyenas will increase in number, due to improved tolerance levels.” 

The Community Conservation Assistants are the first port of call when an incident of conflict has occurred, such as a carnivore attacking livestock. “I’ve learnt how to calm people, as we await a response from Kenya Wildlife Service, and then help them apply for compensation,” explains Michael. 

“The future of wildlife conservation is positive and promising,” he continued. “Platforms such as the VSLA groups empower communities and enlighten them to wildlife conservation. They appreciate our work and are even willing to start conservation initiatives on their own.”

“I envision a future in which retaliatory killings are eliminated, and community members fully appreciate the value of protecting wildlife,” adds Patrick.  

“Working with Born Free has strengthened my connections with community members and leaders, even at the county level,” agrees Samin. “The income I earn enables me to purchase farming tools and attend agricultural workshops, which help me increase crop yields and support my family better. Looking ahead, my hope is clear: to see wildlife continue to thrive in the wilderness, safe and free.” 

Samin, we all share your wish. It’s a pleasure to work with you, and all the Community Conservation Assistants. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONSERVATION WORK