Lion Guardians is a conservation organization dedicated to finding and enacting long-term solutions for people and lions to coexist. Founded in 2006, Lion Guardians began with five Guardians in one small area within the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem. Currently, there are Lion Guardians-based projects successfully running in several countries and in our core area of Amboseli, our operations span over close to a million acres. We are committed to workable solutions that are scientifically-driven and transferable across areas.
What We Do
Lion Guardians’ conservation model is adaptable to various cultures and wildlife species. Founded on local value systems, community participation and science, it is based on a decade of research and rigorous measures of success. Our approach involves recruiting young, traditional Maasai and other pastoralist warriors to learn the skills needed to effectively mitigate conflicts between people and wildlife, monitor lion populations, and help their own communities live with lions. By actively engaging in our solutions-based conservation model, people who were once lion killers are transformed into lion protectors.
Our Core Values
Participation and community-oriented: The participation of local communities as full and active partners in all of our work.
Trust: Relationships of trust within our organization, with our partners, our donors and supporters, and with all of the communities with whom we work.
Science-based: Conservation programs based on science, and the integration of social and biological sciences, including traditional and indigenous knowledge.
Valuing co-existence: Strong links between local cultural values and conservation programmatic elements.
Collaborative: Partnerships and collaborations are key to achieving long-lasting and broad conservation and livelihood impacts.
Where We Work
Luke Maamai
Head of Guardians Program
Luke grew up in a community where lions were often seen as a threat to livestock. Over the years, he has worked to change this view, starting with a small group and now leading around sixty individuals in lion protection efforts. Luke has mentored two generations of local conservation leaders in Amboseli and, with support from Lion Guardians, earned an MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Kent.
Maria Saruni
Camp Manager
Maria started as a camp chef, but has quickly worked her way up and now not only serves as the Lion Guardians head chef, but also performs data entry and supervises camp facilities and procurement. She is inspired by Leela, Stephanie, and the rest of the Lion Guardians team, and is committed to further improving the organization.
Nadia de Souza
Head of Research
Nadia has been dedicated to community-based lion conservation for over a decade. She leads the organization’s conservation research efforts and her work ensures that Lion Guardians’ strategies are grounded in strong scientific evidence, driving effective and sustainable solutions for lion conservation.
Pauline Kamau
Head of Finance & Operations
With over ten years of experience in finance, accounting and administration, Pauline brings a deep passion for driving financial excellence and organizational efficiency. She holds an MBA from African Leadership University, an MSC in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, and she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K).
Eric Ole Kesoi
Community Manager
Eric is a seasoned bush specialist and expert lion tracker. With extensive experience in human-wildlife conflict mitigation and lion behavior, he is a respected leader in his community for all things related to lions.
Dr. Stephanie Dolrenry
Co-Founder & Director of Science
Stephanie’s passion for conservation, her wealth of experience in science, and her eye for innovation have been driving forces in Lion Guardians’ mission and agenda. She is our Co-Founder and Director of Science, and she heads the organization’s rigorous and successful research program.
John Merishi
Head of People & Culture
Merishi, with extensive experience in building sustainable communities, joined Lion Guardians in 2015 to apply his expertise to conservation. He focuses on team well-being, fostering an inclusive culture, and works closely with local communities to raise awareness and encourage ownership of conservation efforts.
Dr. Leela Hazzah
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Leela grew up listening to her family’s stories of lions roaring, and has dedicated her life to helping bring lions and other wildlife back from the brink. She is Lion Guardians’ Co-Founder and Executive Director, and her commitment to including and empowering communities has been key to the organization’s incredible impacts.
Philip J. Briggs
Lion Conservation Advisor
Philip grew up in the Amboseli ecosystem, hearing tales of Maasai warriors killing lions from as early as five years old. Having only seen dead lions as a child, he developed a deep passion for lion conservation and coexistence with local communities. Combining this with his love for creativity and imagery, Philip also serves as the creative lead for the organization.
Salisha Chandra
Director of Strategy Coordination & Knowledge
After working in the corporate business world for 15 years, Salisha returned to her birthplace of Kenya to make a difference in conservation. Today, she puts her passion and experience to work as Lion Guardians’ Director of Strategy and Knowledge Management, helping craft the organization’s path, scale its impact and ensure its sustainability.
Jeremiah Somita Purka
Vehicles and Conflict Coordinator
Jeremiah started out with Lion Guardians as a day laborer tasked with the unglamorous job of digging latrines, but his dedication, drive, and eagerness were undeniable, and he quickly took on more and more responsibilities. In addition to being the camp and vehicle maintenance manager, Jeremiah now works as our Assistant Biologist, monitoring lions and collecting data in the field.
George Gituku
Director of Finance and Administration
George, with his extensive experience and trusted expertise, ensures the organization’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency. In addition, George is a seasoned tourism operator, bringing a wealth of knowledge in business management and conservation-driven enterprises. George is passionate about mentorship and guidance.
Filberto Mayiani
Lion Monitoring Coordinator
Filly holds a degree in Communication and International Management from USK, Indonesia, and has worked with leading media houses in Kenya. His passion for giving back led him to Lion Guardians, where he focuses on lion monitoring, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and strengthening communications and donor relations.
Neev Shah
Research Scientist
As Lion Guardians’ Research Scientist, Neev manages and analyzes ecological and conflict-related field data, ensuring its accuracy and integrity. His work helps identify key patterns and trends in lion movement and human-wildlife interactions, supporting conservation strategies that promote coexistence between lions and local communities.
James Silankei
Field Biologist
James, born and raised in Amboseli, has a lifetime of local knowledge and a deep passion for conservation. James joined Lion Guardians in December 2020 as a mechanic, but after shifting roles, was transitioned into the field of operations. Today, he offers far more than just lion sightings; he is dedicated to the broader mission of conservation, blending technical skills with a genuine love for wildlife and the community.
Kisimir Masaama
Field Biologist
Kisimir began his career in 2011 as a Guardian, where his exceptional field tracking skills and performance quickly set him apart. Over the next 11 years, his dedication and expertise in wildlife protection earned him an opportunity to join the monitoring team as a field assistant. Through hard work and perseverance, Kisimir eventually advanced to the role of field biologist within the lion guardians monitoring department.
Kamunu Saitoti
Field Assistant
Kamunu, also known as Miteriananka, was born in the Amboseli ecosystem. As traditions faced challenges from changing governance, rather than continuing as a lion hunter, he became a protector of wildlife. Joining Lion Guardians, he worked to bridge the gap between his community and conservation. With over twelve years of experience, Miteriananka became a Field Assistant.
Yvonne Prudence
Accounts Assistant
Yvonne understands that finance is the backbone of any organization, ensuring seamless operations. With expertise in accounting and finance, she is committed to streamlining processes that support the team's overall goals.
Magdalene Mutero
Telephone Operator
Magdalene grew up in Lenkism, where she spent years herding her father's livestock before attending school. After working as a community teacher for seven years, she joined Lion Guardians two years ago, continuing her support for the community. She values the opportunity to stay in constant communication with Guardians, teams, communities, and stakeholders to foster peaceful coexistence between people and lions.
Leboo Nkooya
Camp and Vehicle Assistant
Leboo started as an intern, gaining valuable insights into the organization’s operations and taking on various responsibilities. After completing his internship, he was offered a full-time role. Driven by his passion for cars, the organization recognized his dedication and provided him with a scholarship for a certificate in basic vehicle maintenance and a driving certificate. Now, as a Camp and Vehicle Assistant, he applies his skills and knowledge to continue contributing to the organization's success.
Simitia
Camp and Vehicle Assistant
Simitiato serves as a designated driver, supporting community activities while continuing his work as a vehicle and camp assistant. He is passionate about conservation and aspires to be part of the monitoring field team in the near future, hoping to further contribute to the organization’s conservation efforts.
Sunte Lemomo
Camp Cook
Sunte began his journey with the organization assisting with various camp activities as the need arose. Over time, his dedication led to him to join the team as the staff chef.
Lemasika
Security Guard
Lemasika initially joined the organization on a casual basis to assist with the construction of our camp. Recognizing his dedication, he was later offered a position as a camp security officer. Lemasika is deeply passionate about enhancing his skills in security and is committed to further developing his expertise in this field.