Elephant Disease Study

In some ways, we know elephants are extremely robust – for example they have very low rates of cancer (read more on this link), but understanding normal illness and mortality patterns would allow us to detect emerging diseases, and to look at the interface between elephants and livestock, who share both space and pathogens. In droughts, Amboseli elephants do not starve, although their body condition is poor. In the last drought, Dr Edward Kariuki, the Kenya Wildlife Service vet stationed in Amboseli, showed that many elephant deaths revealed large parasite loads, which compromise immunity, cause fluid loss and trigger organ failure. 

After many years of wanting to understand more about elephant disease, we are formally establishing a study to support Dr Kariuki, an expert parasitologist and highly experienced vet. This study will be carried out ethically, only taking samples from elephants being treated or from carcasses. Dr Kariuki's posting, providing emergency care for wildlife in Amboseli, is generously supported by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Our fundraising goal is to cover field equipment, lab analyses and storage, totalling $100,000 over three years. We will be tying Dr Kariuki’s work to our long-term records on disease and mortality patterns in the population. To support us in this exciting and important work, please make a donation on our website.

Empowering the Future of Kenyan Wildlife Conservation: A Recap of ATE's Career Development Workshop

ATE's Norah Njiraini addressing the workshop participants

Since 1997 we have been fostering excellence in wildlife conservation across Africa through our training program which is headed by Norah Njiraini. In line with our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Kenyan professionals, we launched the Student Scholarship program in 2002 which currently supports 28 students through secondary as well as tertiary education. As we continue to expand our outreach initiatives, we are committed to supporting young Kenyan conservation graduates in navigating the challenges of employment and career advancement.



Kenya grapples with a high unemployment rate, leaving numerous graduates in search of suitable opportunities despite their diplomas and degrees. At ATE, we recognize that communication skills and the ability to write professional CVs are crucial, yet this is often underdeveloped among Kenyan youth. Consequently, deserving individuals face challenges in securing opportunities at the onset of their careers. In pursuit of our objective to empower Kenyan wildlife conservationists, Tal Manor and Lydia Tiller have designed a three-day Conservation Career Development Training Workshop. This program aims to equip young Kenyan graduates with essential skills to thrive in the conservation arena. The workshop covers a comprehensive skill set including: enhanced CV writing, professional communication skills, interview techniques, networking skills, as well as mindset when searching for job opportunities. 

Our first Workshop was held in Nairobi on 14-17 November. Throughout the four days, participants engaged with experts from diverse conservation backgrounds, gaining insights into the unique journeys of each speaker. We also incorporated a session with a life coach who provided valuable guidance on mindset and personal development. To provide practical experience and exposure to opportunities in the conservation field, the workshop featured a Networking & Inspirational Talk Expo. Renowned organizations such as Stand Up and Shout Out, Kenya Wildlife Trust, Save the Elephants, Luigi Footprints Foundation, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and CHD Conservation Kenya participated. Workshop attendees learned about internship and job opportunities offered by these organizations, seizing the chance to interact with representatives and showcase their networking skills. The networking session emerged as a pivotal moment for many participants, and we are glad to report that so far 4 of of the 16 attendees secured internships that will further their careers and broaden their job opportunities.

The workshop was fully funded by Maniago Safaris and the Luigi Footprints Foundation. We are immensely grateful for their support. If you would like to sponsor our next workshop, please feel free to contact us on info@elephanttrust.org.

The participants, sponsors, and organizers of the workshop

Bruce Lynn Ludwig 1940-2023

All of us at ATE are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and long-time Board member, Bruce Ludwig. Bruce passed away on October 25, 2023. He was born in Lennox, South Dakota. His family moved to Burbank, California just before Bruce's senior year in high school. He graduated from Cal State University and began his lifelong career in institutional and fiduciary real estate.

His true passion was for bringing people together. Whether for business or philanthropy, Bruce was passionate about connecting people to one another. His days as an Eagle Scout in South Dakota sparked an interest in the natural world and mapping. Out of this, his life's passion grew to include a deep curiosity for ancient history and cultures, conservation, and the environment, especially in Egypt and Kenya. He led countless trips for scores of friends, to Egypt, Kenya, and beyond. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion were contagious and unmatched.

In addition to his work with us, he served as a Trustee for the American University in Cairo, the Trust for African Rock Art, and as an Advisory Council member for the National Geographic Society, the Petra National Trust, the Institute of Human Origins, and the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation. He was also a proud elected member of the Explorer's Club, the Royal Geographic Society, the Egyptian Exploration Society of England, and the Oriental Institute. 

Bruce loved Kenya and he spent many happy months each year living in the Chyulu Hills near Amboseli and later on El Karama Ranch in the north of the country. We are proud that Bruce’s family requested donations to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants in his memory. We miss him very much, but we can imagine his spirit hovering over one of the Chyulu Hills looking across the plains to Kilimanjaro. 

Bruce Ludwig on El Karama Ranch with ATE's Cynthia Moss and Vicki Fishlock

We greatly appreciate our top donors who contributed during this last quarter of 2023. We apologise if you sent a check and your name is missing. The mail is slow at this time of the year. We will acknowledge you in the next newsletter.