| Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy | |
|---|---|
| Location | Nanyuki, Kenya |
| Created | 2004 |
| Owner | Humphrey Kariuki [1] |
| mountkenyawildlifeconservancy | |
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, abbreviated to MKWC is a non-profit trust dedicated to preserving the environment and the wildlife within. Humphrey Kariuki is the principal patron of MKWC. [2]
The Conservancy is located in Nanyuki, a UN World Heritage Site, and an important and rich biodiverse area. It is home to 28 different animal species, with a population of roughly 1,200 different animals. [3] The Conservancy's three main programmes include a breeding and rewilding project for the critically endangered Mountain Bongo antelope, an animal orphanage, and a conservation education programme.
As poaching increased in the 1950s and 60s, a reserve was setup to protect orphaned animals, which today has evolved into MKWC. [2] It has become essential in the fight to protect and increase the numbers of wild Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered species; [4] Working with the Kenya Government Kenya Wildlife Service National Mountain Bongo Recovery and Action Plan 2019 – 2023.
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a member of IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature – one of only 13 Kenyan conservancies to be granted this status.
Many other animals are also located at the conservancy which allows for the reintroduction of animals. [5] In November 2023, giraffes were reintroduced to Mount Kenya for the first time in 40 years. [6]