Kenyan conservationist, National Geographic Explorer and 2021 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Dr. Paula Kahumbu, is in Washington, DC this week attending the National Geographic Explorers Festival 2026, where her photograph currently appears on the entrance doors of National Geographic headquarters as the organization opens its new Museum of Exploration.

2025 has been an amazingly productive year for WildlifeDirect.  We piloted Africa’s first Biomimicry Challenge for the youth and saw magic before our eyes!  We also concluded a pilot project with Wallobooks of India, an innovative book-writing project designed to amplify values into conservation education through storytelling.

WildlifeDirect joins Kenya, Africa, and the global conservation community in mourning the passing of Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, CBE a pioneering scientist, visionary leader, and towering figure in the protection of Africa’s elephants. His life’s work transformed global understanding of elephants and laid the scientific foundations for many of the protections they enjoy today.

The celebrated African wildlife series formerly known as Wildlife Warriors is returning to TV under a new name: WildlifeDirect Warriors. The relaunch brings exciting news! The show will now air on Akili Network, Kenya’s free-to-air educational children’s channel, dramatically expanding access to millions of viewers across the country.

As many of you may be aware, Kenya has been in the news as thousands of young people demonstrate against corruption and call for the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024. Sadly, the government retaliation has been swift and brutal, and several young people have been killed and many injured. We want you to know that we and all our partners are safe.

We bring you up to date on how local conservation filmmaking in Africa is breaking new ground, offering authentic narratives that have long been overshadowed by foreign content. These films are reshaping perceptions and fostering a deep connection between African children, local communities, and their natural heritage.

Kenya is facing catastrophic floods that have resulted in over 200 deaths, leaving dozens of families homeless and causing the loss of property and livelihoods. Despite the severity of the situation, we are grateful to report that our staff and vast network of teachers and conservation colleagues in the region are safe.

Kenya's unique giant tusked elephants are being killed, and it's not by poachers for their ivory. This time, it's by licensed hunters in Tanzania after trophies for their mantle pieces. WildilfeDirect is working with over 50 other conservation organizations to call on the Tanzanian President, H.E Suluhu, to ban the hunting of elephants in an area of northern Tanzania that the Amboseli elephants frequent.

In this edition of Wildlife Tracks, we delve into the unveiling of Prince Hussain Aga Khan's "Fragile Beauty" marine photo exhibition, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking world beneath the waves. Additionally, we explore insightful panel discussions addressing the urgent need for mitigating the triple planetary crisis and the profound impact of Nature Storytelling in fostering conservation efforts.

Dr. Paula Kahumbu attended the 75th Annual Emmy Awards that was held on January 15th, 2024. The documentary series "Secrets of the Elephants" was nominated for the prestigious Emmy Awards in two categories: Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.