Last Sunday April 24th, Kuki Gallmann was ambushed and shot by armed raiders on her Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, in an unprovoked attack while inspecting property destroyed by arson. With devastating gunshot wounds to the stomach, she is now fighting for her life.   

Kuki is one of Kenya’s most famous conservationists and the best-selling author of I Dreamed of Africa. For over forty years, she has put heart and soul into creating the Laikipia Nature Conservancy, defending the environment to provide a refuge for wildlife, promoting Kenya’s long term sustainable development through the Foundation she established in memory of her husband and son, and offering a platform for scientific research.

Her annual Highland Games and Earth Events, celebrating the cultural diversity of the nomadic people that are her neighbours, have promoted peace and understanding in a volatile area. Her work with local communities has been extensive, sheltering refugees from tribal wars, offering medical aid, supporting the emancipation of women, and providing education and employment opportunities.

Now, as she lies recovering in hospital, her life’s work is under unprecedented threat. Over the past few months Laikipia has suffered a wave of violence and vandalism as armed nomads from outside the region, spurred on by overgrazing, drought and political incitement, attack fellow nomads, small-scale subsistence farmers and ranchers alike. In the wake of these invasions, wildlife has been butchered in the thousands and over 50 people killed across the county.

Kuki’s conservancy has suffered over $1 million of arson damage to vital infrastructure that supports and sustains the conservation effort, including lodges, barns, tractors, fences and staff housing.

Kuki has stood her ground repeatedly against these raiders despite shooting, looting and repeated arson attacks. She has fought tirelessly, not only for the protection of the Conservancy and its wildlife, but in defense of the rule of law, the stability of Kenya and all the other innocent people who are being attacked.

Kuki has dedicated her life to providing a safe haven for elephants and all manner of creatures. Let’s help her continue this mission.

Please help us fund the rebuilding of vital conservation infrastructure on Kuki's Laikipia Nature Conservancy and equip the outstanding team of rangers with everything they need to restore order across the Conservancy and continue their fight to defend the wildlife.

With your help we can secure Kuki’s vision and legacy in perpetuity.