African Wildlife Foundation Mourns Loss of Mountain Bull and Satao

August 6, 2014 admin Africa Wildlife Foundation, african elephant conservation, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo film festival, tunde folawiyo oil

Two of the country of Kenya’s most famed elephant bulls, Mountain Bull and Satao, have succumbed to poaching, becoming the latest to fall victim to the brutal and war between poachers and those struggling to preserve the endangered species of Africa. The month of May proved devastating for Kenya and the African continent as a whole, losing two of its most beloved animals within the same month. Tunde Folawiyo and other proponents of wildlife conservation may spread awareness of the harsh effects of poaching in order to protect the region’s beloved wildlife populations.

Whilst Mountain Bull was partially de-tusked during 2012 and regularly monitored via radio collar by Kenya’s Wildlife Services, poachers speared the animal in Mt. Kenya’s National Park. The shocking way in which Mountain Bull and Satao were left to die highlights the growing problem of poaching. The animals’ ivory tusks were hacked off while their mutilated carcasses lay to rot under the sun. Just weeks later, a group of poachers invaded Tsavo East’s National Park, murdering Satao with a poisoned arrow. These animals are believed to have lived for more than 40 years before ultimately falling victim to poaching, demonstrating the harsh realities of an ever mounting issue.

Philip Muruthi, AWF’s conservation science director, released a statement portraying great sadness over the loss of the beloved animals. Founded during 1961, the organisation has long sought to defend dwindling populations of animals throughout Africa. Whilst the organisation’s initial goals revolved around a need for trained groundskeepers to maintain Africa’s game reserves, AWF’s mission later transformed into a means to assist western scientists in their quest to study and support protected animals within their natural habitats. The organisation utilizes a landscape approach that identifies and provides assistance to a variety of ecological areas spanning national boundaries. With this, they continue to forge a great impact in the fight for Africa’s endangered species.

Whilst the AWF has accomplished a great deal since its establishment, the organization has always faced funding constraints that significantly affect their abilities for outreach. With revenue of less than US $20 million during 2009, the organisation requires more funding in order to expand the scope of their impact throughout the continent. There are many ways to contribute to Africa’s dwindling wildlife populations. From monetary donations to spreading awareness of the dangers of poaching, Tunde Folawiyo and millions of other proponents for conservation may aid in the fight against the mistreatment of animals.

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