Maasai Olympics: Ending Lion Killings In Kenya

There are setbacks in every sport as far as the weather is concerned. While it may seem unusual for the weather to be already impacting the Maasai Olympics when the Finals are still eight months away, we’re not surprised. 

The ecosystem where Big Life works had been experiencing a severe drought in recent months that has cost the lives of many animals. Last month the rains finally came - and as the saying goes - when it rains, it pours. More rain fell than typically falls in an entire year.

It came earlier than expected, and fell evenly across the ecosystem, providing an abundance of resources for wildlife and people alike. But the rains have also brought flooding - taking out roads and home, separating families, and destroying lives.

We spend much of the year praying for the rains to come, but these recent rains have been a humble reminder of the power of nature. The rains also mean that the outreach events and team trials for the Maasai Olympics have been pushed back by a month until the rain and flooding subsides.  

The lions, of course, don’t seem to mind. The seven cubs in the Chyulu Hills continue to grow and thrive, thanks in part to an abundance of food brought by the rains. But it’s also thanks to our ongoing efforts in the ecosystem to shift Maasai attitudes about coexistence with lions to one of tolerance, instead of hostility.

For the games, we’ll pick up where we left off in May with team selections, and the regional tournaments will begin soon after that.

Thanks, as always, for your support.