AN ELEPHANT ATTACK SURVIVOR BECOMES A CONSERVATION HERO
Born 25 years ago in Nthunguni Village within Kamungi Conservancy, Joshua Mumo’s life tilted when he was 15 years old. Mumo was walking home from the market in Nthunguni Village on the border of Tsavo West National Park when a rogue elephant charged and attacked, leaving him injured. Recounting the harrowing experience, Mumo vividly remembers, “On 20th August 2014, while returning from the market, I encountered a rogue elephant. The elephant trampled me and left me for dead. The local community members found me lying on the ground helplessly.”
Mumo was taken to the local dispensary for a first aid and later transferred to Makindu Sub-County Hospital. However, the extent of his injuries required specialized treatment. “When I was at Makindu Hospital, I was very worried about the medical expenses as my family could not afford a better hospital. Luckily, Tsavo Trust came to my rescue,” Mumo recalls.
Tsavo Trust facilitated Mumo’s transfer to AIC Kijabe Hospital, covering all the expenses for his treatment, including surgery. With Tsavo Trust support, Mumo underwent successful treatment and recovered fully, eventually returning to school to complete his secondary education.
However, Mumo’s encounter with the elephant was not an isolation incident. The human-elephant conflict along the northern boundary of Tsavo West National Park continued to escalate. In 2021 alone, Tsavo Trust documented 500 human-elephant conflict incidents. During the same period, a total of 1,693 elephants were driven from the community farmlands by joint efforts of Kenya Wildlife Service and Tsavo Trust teams.
Recognising the need for a solution, Tsavo Trust funded the construction of a 33-kilometers human-elephant conflict mitigation fence line on the northern boundary of Tsavo West National Park. This conservation-friendly fence line mitigates the elephants from community areas but allows medium and small game wildlife species to roam freely.
During the fence construction, Mumo was attached to the team, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in fence construction and maintenance. Upon fence completion in November 2021, Tsavo Trust employed Mumo as the head fencer. In this role, he leads daily fence maintenance patrols with two other team members to ensure the fence’s effectiveness in deterring elephants from entering community areas. Remarkably, the fence has resulted in over 80% reduction in human-elephant conflicts.
Beyond his duties as head fencer, Mumo actively participates in the conservation efforts. He is one of 70 youths forming the Kamungi Conservancy Youth Group, facilitating their involvement in conservation efforts that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Employment with Tsavo Trust has not only provided Mumo with a stable income to support his family but also enabled him to finance his younger brother’s secondary education.
Mumo’s journey is a testament to resilience, the power of second chances, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. Inspired by his story? Join Tsavo Trust in creating a future where both local communities and wildlife can thrive.