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.

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.

As we bid farewell to 2023, WildlifeDirect celebrates a year of remarkable achievements and impactful milestones. Our dedicated team has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that defined our success. The Safari Storylab emerged triumphantly, fostering a new era of storytelling to amplify the African voices of wildlife and conservation.

WildlifeDirect, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Africa's wildlife, is pleased to announce the roll out of its new Nature Positive Kids Outreach Program which is an extension of the National Geographic’s Team Sayari educational entertainment Program. Team Sayari, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), The Walt Disney Company Africa and Wildlife Direct, saw a 20-part television series being aired across Africa on National Geographic Wild and Disney Channel.

One of our most exciting and fulfilling programs at WildlifeDirect is education and outreach. Children across Kenya join our Wildlife Warriors Kids Clubs for place-based learning in their schools and communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined the energetic team of 200 people who gathered virtually to discuss how we can accelerate African filmmaking and storytelling to save wildlife. The Open Space Technology (OST) event attracted participants from over 40 countries in response to the question “Africans at the heart of African wildlife filmmaking and storytelling to conserve Africa’s spectacular wild heritage. How can we make it happen?”

Africa’s wildlife is in trouble. Many species are declining towards extinction. If we do not halt these declines, we will lose many of our iconic species. We can make a big difference by simply inspiring people to care.

Welcome to our June edition of Wildlife Tracks. In this edition, we highlight the activities carried out by our team as well as the fantastic news about Dr. Paula Kahumbu being named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year for 2021.

WildlifeDirect is thrilled to announce a partnership with Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the national broadcaster, to air Season One of the Wildlife Warriors TV Series. This partnership will allow viewers from all corners of the country to have access to the show that provides an African perspective on conservation through the stories of Africa’s own conservation heroes, front line soldiers, and cutting edge scientists.