Kenyans will soon adopt, name wildlife for a charge
Kenyans can now adopt and name new-born rhinos and elephants at a cost of Sh100,000.
Speaking on Monday at Kenya Wildlife Service during World Ranger Day, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Balala called upon Kenyans to claim wild animal naming rights, which will go a long way in boosting conservation efforts.
Elephants, black and white rhinos are among wildlife under the list of endangered species.
Balala, who has adopted and named two new-born Rhinos at Meru National Park after his two grand-children said the fund will go to the Rangers Welfare Fund to help in improving the living standards of conservation heroes.
“On June 28 this year, I visited Meru National Park which is a Rhino sanctuary and was impressed with the high number of rhino births as a result of aggressive conservation.
I adopted and named two calves after my grandchildren– Waliya (female) and Layan (male) and paid Sh100,000 each,” said Balala.
Last year, a total of 33 black and white rhinos were born across the country and all have been adopted and named, raising a total of Sh3.4 million.
“Next month, September, we will launch new born elephants naming and Kenyans are free to take part,” said Balala.
During his tour of Meru National Park, the Permanent Secretary for state department of wildlife Prof Fred Segor named another calf Rotok after his son.
Others who named new born rhino calves were chairman of the parliamentary committee on environment and natural resources Kareke Mbiuki who named another calf Mark, after his son.
Chief Administrative Secretary for tourism and wildlife, Joseph Boinnet named a calf, Barango after his village, while KWS Director General Brig. (Rtd) John Waweru named another calf Nyathomo after his daughter.
Each of them paid Sh100,000, which the CS said will go towards improving the welfare of rangers deployed in the sanctuary.
