Strengthening Community Action: Anti-Poisoning Campaign

By Philip J. Briggs & Luke Maamai

On April 28, 2025, Lion Guardians launched a powerful anti-poisoning campaign in the Osewan area—one of the Amboseli ecosystem’s most persistent poisoning hotspots. Since 2009, we’ve documented the deaths of at least 20 lions here due to poisoning, with many more likely going unreported due to the area’s remoteness, difficult terrain, and complex community dynamics. This campaign aimed to raise awareness, reduce poisoning incidents, and promote coexistence between people and wildlife through education and meaningful community engagement.

Approximately 250 people from four neighboring communities gathered for the event. Osewan was selected not only because of its conservation challenges but also for its potential to lead positive change.

Cultural Storytelling Meets Conservation Messaging

To introduce the campaign’s theme, we opened with a screening of Eunoto, an award-winning film showcasing a significant Maasai ritual that marks the transition of warriors. While not the campaign’s core focus, Eunoto served as a cultural bridge—reminding attendees of their deep-rooted values as protectors of their landscape. It set a powerful tone for the day’s messages on wildlife protection and the role of cultural identity in conservation.

We then showed a locally produced anti-poisoning film, accompanied by the song Olong’uesi, crafted specifically to speak to young herders and livestock owners. The emotional impact was further elevated by the presence of the artist himself—Musa Nkonyoyo—who performed Olong’uesi live at the end of the event. As everyone danced and sang along, the event closed with unity and celebration, reinforcing the day’s message through shared joy.

Community Commitment in Action

One of the standout moments of the day was the strong representation from the neighboring Mailua community, where Lion Guardians currently does not operate. Their senior chief, community leaders, and youth showed up in force, fully engaged and receptive to the campaign’s message. Their enthusiastic support and active participation were incredibly encouraging, demonstrating a genuine commitment to embracing conservation practices and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Key Focus Areas of the Campaign

Discouraging the Use of Poison

We addressed the causes and consequences of predator poisoning, which often occurs in retaliation after livestock predation. Through education and cultural storytelling, we stressed the far-reaching damage that poison causes—not just to lions, but to entire ecosystems and even human health. Practical alternatives were also shared, such as contacting Lion Guardians for livestock recovery and vehicle support, predator deterrents, medical help for injured livestock, and support with predator-proof bomas and lion-lights.

Promoting Community Engagement

We emphasized that conservation efforts thrive when communities are actively involved. Local engagement fosters a sense of ownership and pride, making long-term conservation possible. Open dialogue encouraged shared responsibility and local leadership, positioning the community as stewards of their natural heritage.

Addressing Lion-Livestock Conflict Through Local Knowledge

Wildlife poisoning is often a consequence of unresolved lion-livestock conflict. We demonstrated how our guardians use local knowledge, tracking skills, and relationship-building to mediate conflicts, recover lost livestock, and promote coexistence. The message was clear: retaliation through poisoning only deepens the damage. Instead, we championed community-driven, adaptive solutions rooted in culture and lived experience.

Looking Ahead

This campaign launch was a resounding success—thanks to the collaboration of dedicated partners and the inspiring response from the Osewan and Mailua communities. We reinforced the need for quick response to poisoning incidents, stronger collaboration with government veterinary units, and equipping first responders with proper safety protocols and gear.

We’re energized by this momentum and plan to bring this model to other high-risk areas before the end of the year. By uniting culture, conservation science, and grassroots leadership, we can safeguard Amboseli’s wildlife—and the communities who live alongside them—for generations to come.