Mara Elephant Project

Living alongside elephants isn't always easy. For the Lemek community, elephant crop raids are a real and recurring challenge affecting livelihoods and food security. This is why Virtual Ranger is changing the game.

Polaris knows a secret about electric fences. His GPS collar alerted Bravo Team before he could breach the settlement boundary. A drone guided him and two bulls safely back into the conservancy.

One step from an elephant can undo days of work for a family. MEP rangers used drones to safely guide 3 bulls away from settlement fences and into Lemek Conservancy, protecting both elephant safety and community livelihoods.

Welcome back to another #BongoBonus. With fewer than 100 mountain bongos left in the wild, MBP’s ranger teams are critical to protecting the species. Recently, new MBP rangers completed field ranger training with MEP ranger teams. Support: buff.ly/cnajpNN

This week’s #FridaysWithFred is a special one. Artist Pete Blackwell joined MEP in the field to spend time with Fred, bringing a different perspective to observing one of the Mara’s most iconic elephants. Stay tuned for exciting news from Pete and MEP.

Thank you for supporting Mara Elephant Project in 2025. As you’re about to read, your generosity positively impacted the wildlife and communities that call the Maasai Mara home. 🇰🇪https://buff.ly/88aFWgl 🇺🇸 buff.ly/3J8uTve

Every baby elephant in the Mara represents hope. This tender moment between a mother and calf is a reminder of the strong bonds that shape elephant families. As the Official Safari Airline Partner of Mara Elephant Project, AirKenya helps support conservation awareness across the Mara ecosystem.

After a buffalo entered a fenced settlement area, MEP rangers responded quickly and used a drone to safely guide the animal away from people and homes. Incidents like this show how drones are transforming human-wildlife conflict mitigation across the Mara.

Welcome back to #MEPMissionMinute. Meet MEP Ranger David Kaleke, who works alongside Mountain Bongo Project in the Mau Forest protecting the last wild population of mountain bongos, with fewer than 100 remaining. Support their work: buff.ly/cnajpNN

While on patrol in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, MEP rangers spotted a young female elephant estimated to be 10–13 years old who appears to be pregnant. With a 22 month gestation period, elephants have the longest pregnancy of any land mammal.

During a night operation in Lemek, the Foxtrot team apprehended a suspected bushmeat poacher found with a bow, knife, torch, and arrows, including suspected poisoned arrows.

Two bull elephants entered community settlements near Olororok, prompting a rapid response from MEP rangers. Using a drone and ground vehicle, the team safely guided the bulls back towards Mara North Conservancy.

We reached our $10,000 #EndangeredSpeciesDay goal thanks to you, so we doubled it to $20,000 and donations are still being matched. We’ll now select names for TWO newly identified elephants, and one could be yours. buff.ly/BBcPvTj

Inspired by researchers like Sarafina Sironka, MEP’s long-term monitoring team is working to identify and track all 2,600 elephants in the Mara. Help us reach our $10,000 #EndangeredSpeciesDay goal and you could name a newly identified elephant. buff.ly/kDuaWhM

All donations for #EndangeredSpeciesDay are doubled up to $5,000. Help Mara Elephant Project reach $10,000 by May 15 to track an elephant for a year. Suggest a name, and you could name a newly identified elephant. buff.ly/kDuaWhM](htt...

Called to assist KWS/@sheldricktrust.bsky.social Mobile Vet Unit with 4 injured giraffes hidden in dense, unsafe bush, Mara Elephant Project deployed a drone to assess deep wounds and guide treatment. One giraffe received urgent care, and the remaining three continue to be closely monitored.

A new generation grows in the Mara, guided and protected in the wild. Spotted on patrol, a very young calf stays close to its mother, learning the wild step by step. Likely a first-time mum at 10–15 years old, she carefully guides and protects her calf through these early days.

Bravo Team deployed a drone in Ol Kinyei Conservancy to check on a collared elephant. Using GPS tracking, they located Individual 1286—a tuskless bull, easily identified by his lack of tusks.

Behind the formation is readiness in action. What may look like a parade reflects discipline, coordination, and trust built through daily training. In the Mara, where every day is different, this preparation allows ranger teams to respond quickly, protect elephants, and support coexistence.

Rangers thought they spotted a few elephants in dense forest but discovered a herd of nearly 70. Large herds are vital to ecosystems and need close monitoring. This group was confirmed healthy and far from communities. A rare and unforgettable sight.

Mara Elephant Project wishes you a happy and playful Sunday! Just like human children, play is an essential part of social development. We hope these spirited calves bring a smile to your weekend and serve as a gentle reminder to make time for a little play.

MEP rangers responded to elephants entering a settlement near Ol Kinyei, using a drone to safely guide them back toward Ripoi Conservancy. Rapid action helps protect communities, livelihoods, and elephants in a shared landscape where coexistence is essential.

Rangers responded to a bull near Ngosuani settlements, Identified as Ol Choda, “the disturber.” Heading toward maize farms, he posed a risk to livelihoods. Using the thermal drone, the team guided him safely away, protecting people, elephants, and farms.

As landscapes change, so do the paths elephants take. Three bulls entered a fenced property at night in search of grazing. MEP’s Foxtrot Team responded to a community alert and safely guided them back into Mara North Conservancy.

Mission Minute is back! This time we’re breaking it down into quick, bite sized episodes focused on our core steps: monitor, evaluate, protect. Hear directly from our team as they define their roles in keeping people and elephants safe across the Mara.

Rangers responded to 3 bulls in a Ngosuani maize farm, including Ol Choda “the disturber.” Crop raiding can wipe out livelihoods in one night. Using drones and vehicles, the team safely guided them out—protecting people, elephants, and livelihoods.

Spotted during a Mara Elephant Project Golf Team patrol, elephant found in rare deep rest. Elephants sleep just 2–4 hours a day, usually standing. Lying down means complete safety and trust in their surroundings.

Floodwaters in the Mara rose so high last month that even elephants struggled to cross. Here, collared bull Matali and a companion turn back mid-river, likely deterred by the force of the water. A powerful reminder of nature’s strength.

Rangers responded to 4 bulls, including collared elephant Edwin, blocking a footpath in Oloosokon. Using a drone, they safely guided them out. Monitoring Edwin’s movements allows fast response, turning conflict into predictable, manageable situations.

On #EarthDay, real change starts with community. In the Loita Forest, local groups are leading conservation with passion and purpose. By supporting landowners to protect their land, MEP is connecting conservation with community. Every action counts. buff.ly/q9QvGIi

Ever wondered how elephants handle tough grasses? Watch as this one uses its foot to pin grass while its trunk pulls it free. Eating 12 to 18 hours a day and up to 600 pounds, this subtle movement demonstrates their intelligence and adaptability.

Friday is here and so is another #FridaysWithFred! Fred calmly approached our research vehicle, offering a rare view of his massive tusks, symbols of age and strength but also vulnerability. Collared in 2013 with KWS and WRTI, ongoing monitoring helps reduce conflict and keep him safe in the Mara.

On the frontlines of conservation, every patrol matters. Alpha Team & Kenya Wildlife Service removed 69 snares in the Mau Forest—protecting wildlife in this high-risk landscape.

Welcome to #BongoBonus! Meet a 3-month-old calf in the Aberdares, captured on a Mountain Bongo Project camera trap. This rare sight shows the population is reproducing. Fewer than 100 remain in the wild—every calf counts. Support: buff.ly/ToFEqQv

From grazing to playful tumbles, calves are learning life’s lessons under the watchful eyes of their matriarch. Mara Elephant Project’s 'Bravo' Ranger Team caught this beautiful family moment in Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

MEP rangers experienced a first while recently on patrol in the Mau Forest; a monkey trapped in a wire snare. Working alongside our government partners, the monkey was freed from the trap. Snares removed, a life saved, and a second chance in the wild.

Elephants playing in the mud? Classic. It’s called wallowing, helping them stay cool and protect their skin. What looks like fun is actually smart survival, using mud to regulate temperature and stay healthy in the wild.

MEP assisted the Kenya Wildlife Service / @sheldricktrust.bsky.social vet team to treat a young bull elephant with an arrow wound. The procedure was successful, and he will continue to be monitored as he heals.

Ever wondered what a drone patrol looks like from the ground? After Ivy was seen with a new calf, our team used drones to locate her herd in dense bush—confirming she, her calf, and the group were safe and far from settlements.

It might be April Fools’ Day, but no pranks or tricks here! Just some wonderfully goofy elephants to brighten your day and remind us how special these animals truly are.

Today is the last day! Win a 7-night Kenyan safari worth $10,000 with Governors’ Camp Collection while supporting Mara Elephant Project. Help protect 600 elephants in the Loita Forest. $50 = 1 entry | $90 = 2 entries Enter today: buff.ly/vsIKdLV

Only a few days left! Win a 7-night Kenyan safari worth $10,000 with Governors’ Camp Collection while supporting Mara Elephant Project. Help protect 600 elephants in the Loita Forest. $50 = 1 entry | $90 = 2 entries Enter by March 31: buff.ly/vsIKdLV

MEP's helicopter isn’t just for elephants—it’s a lifeline. After sudden river flooding stranded people, our team responded immediately from above to guide a safe evacuation. As extreme events increase, we remain ready for wildlife and people alike.

As proud sponsors of GCTDF 2026 in Nairobi, MEP showcased drones, data & community solutions protecting elephants. Celebrating women in conservation & Africa’s next-gen innovators.

#MEPMissionMinute is back! Following Edwin, we close our series with PROTECT. Monitoring and evaluation positioned rangers in a high-risk zone before he reached farms. With thermal drones, they guided him safely back to open land. Monitor. Evaluate. Protect.

Win a 7-night Kenyan safari with Governors’ Camp Collection—while helping protect elephants. Once you arrive in Kenya, everything is taken care of. Plus, you can schedule your trip anytime in the next two years. Entries support protecting the Loita Forest. Enter by March 31: buff.ly/vsIKdLV

For #ForestDay, we recognize the vital role of the Mau Forest—Kenya’s largest canopy forest and a key water source for the Rift Valley. Over 600 elephants rely on it. Since 2018, MEP rangers and gov partners have patrolled the forest to protect this critical landscape. Support them - buff.ly/674slLc

Welcome back to #FridayswithFred! As a big tusker, Fred is closely monitored for his safety. Every time he approaches, his long, powerful strides command attention, and the team falls completely silent—just listening to his footsteps echo across the Mara.

MEP rangers spotted Individual #128 with a severe limp from an arrow wound and alerted the KWS / @sheldricktrust.bsky.social Mobile Vet Unit. He was darted, treated, and his wound cleaned. Follow-up shows reduced swelling, improved movement, and feeding—encouraging signs of recovery.

For the first time in years, a mountain bongo was spotted on a camera trap in Kenya’s Maasai Mau Forest. With fewer than 100 left in the wild, the Mountain Bongo Project is working to protect them. Follow the journey and join the mission. #bongobonus 🔗 buff.ly/YWCAfrH

This #InternationalWomensDay2026, we celebrate the Matriarchs of Mara Elephant Project, the women leading our mission to protect elephants and their habitats across the Greater Mara Ecosystem. #IWD2026

Happy Saturday from Mara Elephant Project and these mischievous calves! Playtime builds strength, coordination & social skills, and that tiny “retaliation” charge is all practice for the future. Just a little reminder that growing up can be messy, playful, and absolutely adorable.

This #InternationalWomensDay2026 we celebrate Tiassa Mutunkei. Founder of Teens4Wildlife, author of Tales Under the Acacia Tree, and Digital Content Creator here at MEP. She uses storytelling to connect people to elephants, rangers, and the Mara, inspiring more people to care and take action.

Welcome back to #ToTThursday! The cohort completed a hands-on First Aid Refresher Training, practicing CPR, casualty evacuation, wound packing, burn care, hypothermia response, and chest seals. Repetition builds confidence, readiness, and safer teams in the field.

Double your impact for elephants this #WorldWildlifeDay. All gifts are matched up to $20K—turn $1 into $2 to train drone pilots, deploy new tech, and reduce human-elephant conflict in the Mara. Help protect wildlife & promote coexistence - 🔗 buff.ly/9xpL9y3

Double your impact for wildlife this #WorldWildlifeDay. MEP's thermal drone helped rangers detect a hippo inside a maize farm at night — alerting the community through drone-mounted speakers and guiding the animal safely back to the river. All donations doubled through March 3. 🔗 buff.ly/9xpL9y3

Governors’ Camp Collection is raffling an unforgettable seven-night safari with proceeds supporting Mara Elephant Project to protect vital elephant habitat. $50 to enter. Ends March 31. Enter: buff.ly/ZwxjnCY.

Double your impact for elephants this #WorldWildlifeDay. Our drones helped vets treat a snared giraffe, locating her before and after darting, when every second counts. Tech that protects elephants also saves wildlife across the Mara. All gifts matched to $20K. 🔗 buff.ly/9xpL9y3

Double your impact for elephants this #WorldWildlifeDay. All gifts to Mara Elephant Project (Feb 24–March 3) are matched up to $20K. Your gift equips rangers with cutting-edge drone training and skills to advance their careers and reduce human-elephant conflict in the Mara. 🔗 buff.ly/IeNml22

Double your impact for elephants this #WorldWildlifeDay. When 4 bulls entered a maize farm in Engos, our team used a drone to guide them back to safety in under 30 minutes. Support Mara Elephant Project Feb 24–Mar 3 and have your gift matched up to $20K to expand our drone fleet. 🔗 buff.ly/IeNml22