Seeing wild things in wild places is a privilege. It’s an even greater privilege to travel and share space with some of the most majestic, fascinating, and sadly endangered species in our world. Technology has made it easier than ever to connect to far off places through digital media, but those interactions are transitory and make less of an impact. Can any of us name 5 things we watched on YouTube last week? At IEF, we believe in forging connections with elephants and wildlife because we know those are memories that will last a lifetime, and will inspire conservation to preserve elephants for many lifetimes.

Recently while on routine patrol in the Mount Kenya ecosystem the Horse Patrol Team encountered an injured elephant in distress. They carefully inspected the elephant but were unable to provide help and contacted a veterinarian to come immediately. Realizing it would take the veterinarian hours to get to their position, the patrolmen decided to stay with the injured elephant through the night, forming a protective circle around it to safeguard from danger. As the hours passed, they did their best to protect and comfort the elephant in what ended up being its final moments. They made a valiant effort that is a somber reminder of the challenges faced by those dedicated to protecting wildlife, their deep commitment, and the harsh realities of nature.

You can experience the work of the Mount Kenya Horse Patrol Team in person and create personal connections by joining us on a very special safari to Kenya to visit three of our projects. We have partnered with Classic Escapes on this incredible opportunity and hope you will join us! In the meantime, check out the latest episode of “Close Encounters of the Endangered Kind,” the travel blog of IEF donors Tricia and Joe Berry as they visit IEF projects in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.

Episode 8: Land of the Giant Tuskers

By Tricia Berry

After flying to Nairobi, Kenya the night previously, the next morning we met our driver who was taking us to Tsavo National Park, the largest of Kenya’s 23 national parks, the next morning. The area, comparable to the size of Switzerland, has two sections divided by the highway from Mombasa to Nairobi: Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

To get there meant a 4-hour drive down a two-lane highway. Drivers on the road were boldly dodging oncoming traffic as they passed the trucks in front of them, braking quickly…continue reading HERE!

We are officially accepting abstracts to present at the 21st International Elephant Conservation & Research Symposium!

Abstracts are due on July 1, 2025. Get the details HERE.

Free Resource

With tax season upon us, you can help IEF’s work to protect elephants and habitat everywhere by diversifying how you give. Download this free Smart Giving Guide to learn about donor advised funds (DAFs), qualifed charitable donations (QCDs), and giving stock.

Together we will secure a future for elephants!

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