Saving the life of Kimeu the lion

Kimeu receiving medical treatment

In an incredible emergency mission, and thanks to sharp-eyed tour guides trained in ‘citizen science’, Born Free has helped rescue a ten-year-old male lion, named Kimeu – found with a lethal wire noose digging into his neck.

“Set illegally by poachers to catch wildlife, the snare had caused a terrible injury,” explains our Meru Landscape Manager, Joseph Putunoi. “But, working together with our long-term partners at Kenya Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, and Elewana Elsa’s Kopje luxury safari lodge, we were thankfully able to save Kimeu.”

Kimeu with the tight snare around his neck

A few days previously, our team in Meru had been contacted by Elewana tour guides – coached and equipped by Born Free to monitor wildlife. They had spotted a male lion with a snare around his neck, and there was no time to lose. Growing ever tighter, the wire noose could ultimately lead to a lingering death.

Leaping into action, the Born Free team successfully located the lion and contacted Kenya Wildlife Service, taking photos to try and identify the large male. But sadly, the lion then disappeared into dense bush vegetation, before he could be helped.

Meru is home to around 50 adult lions, plus many cubs, and Born Free has been helping to protect them since 2014. We study how they behave, and where they go, and try to help them peacefully coexist with local people. One by one getting to know each individual, and a review of our photographic records confirmed the snared animal was none other than Kimeu – a lion with a dramatic history.

Kimeu was treated by the KWS vet

Born in October 2016, to the Mulika Pride, Kimeu was a playful and promising sub-adult, when he vanished in March 2019. We didn’t see him again for seven years, and sadly feared the worst. So, you can imagine our delight when, this April, we realised a mighty newcomer who had leapt to power and become the dominant male in Elsa’s Pride, was none other than Kimeu.

Now, with the deadly snare around his neck, the situation was critical for Kimeu. We urgently had to find him. So our team prioritised an active search across the vast 336 square mile park – twice the size of the Isle of Wight. But, for a few days, despite sustained efforts and continual monitoring, there were no further sightings. Then on 22nd September, to our relief, Elewana guides notified Born Free – they had spotted the snared lion once again.

Kimeu is now recovering from his ordeal

Our team immediately responded and, happily, was able to locate Kimeu, staying with him while awaiting the Kenya Wildlife Service veterinary team. With our assistance, Kimeu was then gently darted, the snare carefully removed, and his deep wound treated.

“Special recognition to the field teams and tour guides for their commitment, patience, passion and determination,” said a thrilled Joseph Putunoi. “Their willingness to spend long hours in the field under difficult conditions was instrumental in the successful outcome of this case.

“We are so glad to report that, a few days later, Elewana guides sighted Kimeu once more, and confirmed he is in good health. This successful rescue highlights the value of strengthening citizen science reporting networks, and maintaining effective communication between conservation partners.”