The Milgis Trust

Category: Milgis lugga, elephants | Date: Apr 20 2009 | By: milgistrust

Yes I’m afraid so…Despite having all the scouts that live any where near the luggas, heading down to open up wells for the wildlife every day, we have a new well victim…. Here with the story written by Moses Lesoloyia, Milgis Trust manager.. unfortunately do not have any pictures of the incident, so heres a couple taken in January 2009

The Dam that is now dry with the Rock of Ol Donyo Wuas behind..

On 17^th morning around 8 o clock we received a report from Lesanchu that there is a young elephant in a kisima, [well] down on the lower Elgerei. I contacted Helen with the news, and 5 of us piled into the landrover and headed off down the very slow track to Ndonyo Wuas. We took with us a blanket, ORS,[ rehydrate salts] spades, ropes, water and bottles. The kisima was dug in the now dry dam that the Elephants have been relying on, the bush around the dam is very thick which took us quite a time to cut through, but all the time we could hear the desperate crys of the Elephant struggling to get out of the Kisima… On arrival we assessed the 10 feet well and decided the fastest way to get it out is by throwing a loop round the youngster and to pull it out, the baby was thrashing around so much, making it too dangerous for somebody to go in. We made a loop with the thick rope [after the last big elephant rescue we made sure we had the right equipment] and put it round its chest as it raised its legs to try and come out. We pulled it out and it stood immediately and started chasing people around. Kosma and Lenkulate struggled to catch her but soon managed to calm her down.. We gave her 2 liters of ORS solution and went on giving it normal water the rest of the day. On our way to rescue the baby we had made a decision if she was in good enough shape, that we will try and link the baby with the mother. We ensured that no one touched it. We collected water from the well and stayed with it so that we could pour it on her if we heard the mother coming. Everybody was sure by 5 the mother will be there!!. We sent 3 scouts to try and find any eleys nearby, but with no luck… At one time the baby was urinating so frequently and we got worried that it had a big problem but after consulting Helen we were assured, that hopefully it wasn’t.. By 4 o clock we decided to move away abit from the well to set up our camp, below the Ndonyo Wuas rock and left three guys with the baby near the kisima. The rest of us went up the rock with binoculars to monitor any eleys coming, so that we could alert by radio the guys with the baby to pour the water on it, and dodge it and leave it to make a noise for the mother to come for it. We did this till 6.30 pm and darkness was already falling. We decided to move out of the thick bush because it was abit risky to stay in there as we were expecting all the usual Elephants to come in for water..

The Dam that the Elephants rely on at Ol Donyo Wuas.. South end of Ndotos behind. The dam is dry now and the Samburu have dug wells in the mud, for their livestock.. even though we have dug special wide wells for the Eleys in the main Lugga they insist on coming back to this dry natural dam.. that will fill up when the lugga floods..

2 people stayed on the higher bank of the of the dry dam so as to alert the rest of us if any eleys are coming in, and the rest of the group stayed with the baby in between the rock and the dam.. They stayed away from the baby so that it made a noise for the mother to hear, and were ready with their ‘running shoes’ should she come!!… By 9 we were losing hope and started thinking, maybe the eleys had followed the rain that was now falling on the Matthews range and the mother feared coming back alone. At 10.30 two bulls came in and stood for 5 minutes listening to the baby making a noise, but sadly it wasn’t their problem, so they drunk water from a different kisima and left. By this time every body was struggling to keep off mosquitoes, but we were here to do a serious job, and the advantage was, they helped keep us awake! We didn’t make a fire because we didn’t want to show our presence. We had taken dinner by 5. We stayed on and on till morning with no luck. We truly felt if the mother had come in we would have won the battle. This is something we are going to build on, by liaising with DSWT and try as much as possible to return babies to their mothers. But this time having had no luck, at 6.30 in the mining, we called Helen with the sad news, loaded her on the landy drove the 2 hours to the airstrip. We had given her another 2 liters of ORS solution and later at the airstrip another 2 liters of normal water. Finally the little eley fell asleep at the airstrip. . The Plane arrived to pick her up for her journey to the amazing DSWT orphanage in Nairobi, where Angela will keep us informed… Fingers crossed for the little surviver..All the people involved in the rescue were surprised that the mother didn’t come back, as this is very unusual with eleys and the following opinions were voiced.. .

• The mother feared coming back alone if the group went very far.
• Mother was old and not very strong due to drought
• Mother had previously lost a baby this way had so lost hope of this one too…

Unfortunately we won’t know… But the drought is probably not helping, with the fact that Nomadic people from all around, , especially from the Kaisut Desert, have come into this area, with thousands of camels, cows, goats, and sheep, and they are all trying to survive these hard times… There does seem to be a ” good agreement ” between the people and the wildlife, and every one sticks to it!!.. Wildlife have the use of the Lugga, and all that it gives at night, people by day…

BY the way the genet that was brought in to us about 3 weeks ago, it must gone out with its mother on one of its first nights out, and followed her into the well, but could not get out, is doing very well, and keeping me busy!.. It will be released at Elkanto when its old enough..

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Category: Eco-tourism, Milgis lugga | Date: Apr 19 2009 | By: milgistrust

Sorry every one… The most important photo on Stellas Blog, is the picture of her bedroom at Elkanto, but it did not go on… So I’m trying again…

If it hasn’t come up, I’ll try to describe it for you… Imagine a 360 degrees view from your bed… Remember you are on a hill, 600 hundred feet above the surrounding area…

Elkanto Hill taken from the Parsaloi Lugga.. Matthews behind..

At night… There is no light pollution at all so you can see every star and planet, and any thing else exciting out there in the sky, bright, bright!, right to the horizon… you can sometimes see the north star, and we are only 1 degrees north of the equator! Hey Stella, ‘ You are not meant to sleep well at Elkanto, because you will miss every thing!!..’ Including all those beautiful night creatures that pass your bed on their way to water!.. Yes we have water, pumped by a solar pump… IE when the sun rises, water comes up the hill!! for the animals and birds..

In the morning this is what you wake up to… To the south.. You look down the Laana Nikan Lugga, as it snakes its way about 40 kms down from the Sware plains [ some people call it the Seiya Lugga, because thats what it says on the map!, but actually the Seiya is further up stream flowing out of the Kirisia hills and it becomes the Laana Nikan where it meets the Ngeng flowing out from the southern end of the Matthews!] beyond that sometimes you can see Mt Kenya, 150 Kms away..

Mt Kenya, taken at Dawn through binoculars, from Elkanto!

Going round to the East you have the full range of the Matthews. Then the Milgis Lugga [ this picture] as it meanders off towards the Kaisut desert, when its clear you can see about 100kms, the dramatic rocks of Laisamis, and Losai.. Turning to wards the north the full range of the powerful looking Ndotos, a majestically blue look to them, with the brown rolling hills of Latakwen in the fore ground, turning to the west, again the huge Parsaloi Lugga winding its way from the northern end of the Kirisia hills…. Many people that visit this remote, secluded spot.. Are generally speechless, not because they have walked up the hill!, but because the view in all directions is exquisite!!!

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Category: Eco-tourism, Samburu | Date: Apr 18 2009 | By: milgistrust

I had been working in one of London’s top advertising agencies until something ‘clicked’ and I realised my skills, abilities and passion for life were being squandered on an unworthy cause…I wanted to go to Africa and work in conservation, there was no doubt about it, but the question was how and where?

So I started with researching Richard Leakey. I knew of his work and his good reputation within conservation and I soon found out he had created a blog site for networking called Wildlife Direct. Reading through the recent posts I came across a wonderfully avid blog from the Milgis Trust. So there it began and having followed Helen Douglas-Dufresne’s passionate and straight-to-the-point snippets of life in northern Kenya I made a decision to take my first step and emailed her asking whether she might consider me as a willing volunteer, not expecting to receive any reply at all. So quite unexpectedly, she replied saying “just come” with her go-with-the-flow outlook on life…and as they say the rest is history…here I am in the depths of Africa and loving every second!

Here’s just a little snippet of my life so far….

Delicately thatched roofs appeared like a mirage in the balmy morning haze as the plane gently swooped over Elkanto’s peak (the Trust’s HQ). I regrettably had little chance to see much else on the flight up from Nairobi to the depths of Samburuland as I struggled against my queasy belly as it twisted and churned with the current of the wind and the lurch of the plane. Thankfully my complaining stomach soon heaved a sigh of relief as Pete’s gentle dive glided us effortlessly along a humble runway dotted with dozing camels and tufts of bush. Clambering out onto terra firma the warm fresh air filled my lungs, as fiery rays of the African sun flushed colour back into my cheeks.

I marvelled at the muscular hills that rolled smoothly around me; the towering Ndotos and the emerald mounds of the Mathews stretching as far as the eye could see.

I soon focused on a figure striding across the runway; a colourful kikoi twisted around her head. Adorned with bright beads and Samburu trinkets Helen greeted me with a warm smile and a welcoming hug, and led me to a table standing under a shady tree laden with tasty treats for brunch. I was then greeted warmly with firm handshakes and smiles all around by Helen’s loyal Samburu crew, of which a few were dressed gracefully in their proud Samburu regalia radiating with majestic aura.

A slow and bumpy drive in the back of a ‘Landy’ pulled us up the west side of Elkanto. Hanging on tightly I watched as long-eared Dikdiks scuttled into the thick bush at the bottom of the hill and multi-coloured birds fluttered into the bright blue sky.

Enchanting singing suddenly echoed from the peak of the hill, thinking someone had turned on the radio I paid little attention. As we rounded the last corner a procession of Samburu women greeted us with their soothing song. Dressed to the chin in delicately entwined beads and lengths of vivacious cloth they danced in perfect unity….The women of a community half a day’s walk away in the blistering sun had come to see Helen. Presenting her with a beautifully designed hanging, beaded in Swahili reading ‘Mama Helen’ they humbly finished their mesmerising performance. I soon found out they had come to ask Helen for help with finding a market for their jewellery and Samburu arts and crafts so they could afford some independence.

So I had only been in the Milgis for half an hour and I had already been well and truly immersed in this amazing land.

An early start was awaiting me in the morning, as I tried to imagine the celebrations the water opening would bring the next day, so I retired to bed.

Torch securely in hand I retraced my steps back to my bed, which now sat on the edge of the hill away from the shelter of the banda. ‘When was the last time you slept under the stars’ I was casually asked.’ Enjoy the night’! As wonderful as it was, it went against everything I had known. Every noise and shadow played tricks on my imagination as I pulled the bed sheets tighter under my neck.

Not even the smiling stars could soothe my twitching nerves as the gravel scratched under my bed and I pictured a hungry leopard deciding which limb to gnaw on first. At one point I had to laugh - was I dreaming? The sun soon rose, shedding safe light over the hill as I awoke from my light slumber. My fears had obviously tired me out and I had slept restlessly at total surrender to the creatures that prowled the night. Regardless of my fears it was an experience I will never forget and one that I think should be had by all. Especially when I had my morning shower under the bough of a helpful tree and elephants meandered peacefully just a stone’s throw below.

This is real nature; we’ve all just evolved so far away from it!

Well, the Latakwen celebrations -where do I begin?! I think Helen has summed it up wonderfully but from an outsiders perspective you really can’t quite describe the joy and gratefulness that emanated from these beautiful people. Their songs, dances and smiling faces touched every emotion and at times I had to bite back the tears (happy tears that is) it was just so overwhelming. Everything about these people, their life and their amazing environment attacks all the senses and makes you feel truly alive!

I’ve certainly found something worth fighting to protect and I can’t express how wonderful it is to be part of something so special.

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Category: Conservation Awareness, Education, Forest Fires, Samburu | Date: Apr 09 2009 | By: milgistrust

I just wanted to show you to what lengths the headmaster of Latakwen primary school took to show their appreciation of having water piped to his school, and for the New Nursery building… As I said before the people of Latakwen ‘pulled out all stops’ to celebrate, and these children, where no exception…. Below is the all the older pupils, about 300!, leading the youngsters about 100 past the old Nursery building before they lead them to their new building!!… They gave us a wonderful show of old Samburu traditional songs, and dances…

A goodbye dance past the old nursery school by by the primary school children…

Lesiantaam the nursery school teacher, could not resist a last sit, for old times sake!, with his pupils in the old Nursery school… This is how he has been teaching them for years!!… But I can assure you Lesiantaam, with his co-worker, madame, in the picture on the left, with their enthusiasm, eccentricity, superb supervision, and ability to make life fun in any circumstances, have never missed a beat even if the kids were sitting on the floor!! As he lead his little children, all having been dressed up for the occasion… [where they got it all from I don’t know!] down towards the new school, dancing and chanting sweet songs already you could see it in the childrens eyes… They were so excited!!

Lesiantaam, to the chorus of the children blessed the school, the people who gave it to them, TOTO TRUST, all the animals and trees in the picture above them, and last but not least a full tank of ‘VOSS’!!

The chief, sub chief, councillor, head master of the primary school, the chairman behind, Lesiantaam in front, and Madame in amongst the kids… It was such a show we were all speechless…

The crowds in Latakwen on this day… on this self pronounced holiday!, so that the people could celebrate, was larger than they have ever known… All to show their gratitude for the VOSS water, and TOTO TRUST Nursery building… What a wonderful day was had by all…

To round the days celebrations off, a little more of a serious moment, the leaders, the headmaster, the KWS based at Latakwen, myself, and others made use of the fact that there was such a crowd, and all had a few minutes to talk.. Having done all the thanking, and mentioning that ‘don’t forget us’, sort of talk, we went on to the most serious issue, the current fires being the most important one, we all sat under this tree, and each person that spoke ‘droned, and drilled’ on and on about the harm they are doing to them selves!! The response was good, and the meeting on 31st march was organised, which lead to the formation of committee members, who’s job it is to STOP the fire madness… So far so good… all quiet, and cold on the Northern front!! Nobody wants to have his wife taken away!!, or get a curse put on them!!..

TOTO TRUST have also paid for two other classrooms in the Milgis primary Eco-school… THANKS SO MUCH… Happy Easter every one!

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Category: Conservation Awareness, Health, Samburu, Uncategorized | Date: Apr 07 2009 | By: milgistrust

‘Little’ Latakwen centre/town, in the middle of nowhere in dry Samburuland, pulled out all stops to take over ‘their’ water, and their nursery school!!… What a party! The Latakwen drinking water project, and the New Nursery school handing over ceremony WAS FANTASTIC!! In fact unbelievable… The enthusiasm was just great… I think the leaders of Latakwen proclaimed a Holiday in aid of having water piped to the little centre, and to the Clinic, and school, and to finally have a nice nursery School!! The community donated 6 goats, rice, sugar for the party! The women were all dressed up to the nines, all the school children all looked amazing, the singing and dancing was just unbelievable… They are so so so grateful, from the bottom of their hearts!! Thank you VOSS and Thank you TOTO TRUST!

The Elders started the day by gathering at the well, and blessed it and the solar panels… Then we all walked along the pipe line, to the Large 10,000 litre tank above Latakwen centre…

All the paintings by Nderitu…

As our contingency of Elders and visitors wondered down to wards the centres main street, we could see the incredible colours, all popping out of their little shops and homes, rushing off to wards the Kiosk [ the water outlet] to greet us as we walked down from the tank!! The atmosphere was electric, we just could not believe our eyes!! Moses Lesoloyia, Milgis Trust manager, gave a little speech, explaining why VOSS [A stylish bottled water company from Norway] had decided to help the people of Latakwen with drinking water… During the singing and dancing, around the Kiosk , our guests from the US, a photographer and a rep. from VOSS, were given traditional Samburu presents, a beaded head band and a beautiful wrap, embroidered with beads with a clear message… ‘If we look after our wildlife, we will reap the benefit’s!!..

Another message…… Conserve your environment get more water!

The Kiosk where the people in the centre collect water…

All the Women dressed up beautifully.. And ’sounds of happiness and gratitude poured out’

Women of Latakwen… Singing songs of Thanks, to VOSS.. Its now become a word and it means ‘drinking water’! Ever since this little centre started in the seventies, they have been drinking brackish water, which makes your tea curdle!..

In the next blog I will continue with the rest of the day… As we proceeded on to the schools, and to the children’s shows of gratitude!!

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Category: Conservation Awareness, Forest Fires, Matthews range, Milgis lugga, Ndoto Mountains, Samburu | Date: Apr 03 2009 | By: milgistrust

I gather the fires burning in Kenya one week ago became world news… I have never seen any thing like it… We heard on the news that the Mau forest, and Mt Longonot, where burning and we witnessed the terrible fires on Mt Kenya… Too awful, and then I fly up to the Milgis and this is what we were greeted with… A complete frenzy of fires all over, from the Matthews right across to the Ndotos… This tends to happen at this time of the year, just before the rains..Its some how related to the fact that they think that the smoke makes clouds, and looking at the fire in the Ndotos it looks as though it could be possible! but NO rain to be seen!!

The beginning of a fire down on the Milgis Lugga.. Although it looks ferocious, luckily it burnt out before it did too much damage to the all important Tortilis trees, further up stream..

The same fire gaining momentum… the main trees to be burnt were Tamarix……. not so important as a food tree, although, the goats can feed on it when there is not much else, and the Elephants chew on the roots… The big advantage is the cover for hundreds of different animals… Bush pig, warthogs, civets, caracals, genets, mongooses… etc to name a few

Massive fire on the southern flank of Upe peak, of the Ndotos… Re burning an area that had a desperate fire a few years ago and I showed you the results of in my recent blog on the klipspringer being caught out… I’m afraid I also have to give the very sad news that it died after a month…

On the 25th March we flew up to the Milgis with two women representing VOSS, to hand over the ‘WATER’ to the Latakwen community… It was quite a party and will give you the news in my next Blog… Also present was Stella, who will be introducing herself to you soon! BUT the celebrations were marred by people burning the forests, an embarrassment to all… This led to the following meeting which is yet another attempt at stopping the slow ‘eating’ away of their recourses… You note I say THEIR… Yes these guys are cutting their own throats by burning, and yet they continue???? The Original Samburu fought long and hard to keep these mountains as their land, why are the men of today not respecting their ancestors who saw the value of them… Really what has happened…

As a result below is a report from Moses Lesoloyia… The Milgis Trust Manager..

The meeting took place on 31/3/2009 at Mpelengos. the meeting was attended by elders from Nkare Narok 12, Ngwe entome 23, Latakweny 23, Sererit 3.. Milgis Trust scouts 10, chief 1, councillor 1 and KWS rangers from Latakwen at the beginning..

The meeting was chaired by the councillor from the Ndoto ward who asked elders from each of these areas to talk and say what thoughts they have on the fires and whether they are willing to stop burning or should the burning continue??. Each group talked against burning and all agreed that they are ready to stop burning. the councillor asked the elders to tell what methods and punishments are there traditionally to deal with those who burn the forest. the following methods were mentioned;

1. cursing by elders

2. banishment from the area

3. fining

4. taking their wife away ( even if it is children or women all the blame goes to the man, he should have told them about it.)

5.being refused to graze in other areas.

The councillor asked the elders to decide on which methods to use to stop this menace. The elders agreed that one or more of the methods can be applied together. The elders said that because the people are becoming stubborn they will use cursing and fining. They will put a fine of 5000 and goats for the elders when they meet to discuss the perpetrators. The number of goats depend on the number of elders who meet. …18 men were identified to have burnt the forests and were to bring this money which will be used to pay bursary for school children. The councillor promised to present the issue during their full council meeting and bring councillors from Nkare narok and Nairimirimo. He will inform us of the dates so that we can organise for a meeting and the plan according to the situation by then.

The elders cursed whoever will burn the forests again and the message seems to have gone through as there has not been any fires except for one on Ndoto that evening and one at Ndonyo nasipa yesterday, maybe the message hadn’t reached them yet… We sent two scouts, grants Gazelle and lesser kudu to ndonyo nasipa to find out what happened.

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