Whose Park? Whose Animals? A New Series Is Coming and It Has Big Questions to Ask

In the heart of Nairobi lies a remarkable yet complicated treasure: Nairobi National Park, a sanctuary where majestic lions, rhinos, and giraffes roam, all under the watchful eye of a bustling urban skyline. It’s a place that captivates many, yet it holds secrets that run deeper than its tourist allure. This is the stage for a new digital essay series that seeks to unravel the complexities of wildlife tourism and its ethical implications.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been awarded a Creativity Grant from the Culture and Animals Foundation for a project entitled Whose Park? Whose Animals? This endeavour has been brewing within me for months, ignited by a question that demands our attention: Who truly benefits from the wildlife of Nairobi National Park, and what sacrifices are made in the process?

As we explore the park’s rich narratives, I find myself continually drawn to the voices of those who live closest to it. What does it mean for the rangers who rise before dawn, the vets navigating difficult decisions, and the community members living alongside the park’s fences? Often, their perspectives remain overshadowed by the broader tales spun by the tourism economy, which generates revenue and builds global imagery around Kenya’s wildlife.

This series aims to shine a light on those unheard voices. Whose Park? Whose Animals? will unfold over six parts, running from June to August 2026, each episode intricately woven from fieldwork and in-depth conversations with park rangers, veterinary staff, tourism workers, and local community members. Special attention will be given to the youth of Nairobi, who experience wildlife more through the lens of advertisements and social media than direct interaction.

Over the next few months, I’ll be stepping into the lives of these individuals, sitting with rangers, vets, and community members, listening as they share their thoughts on what the park signifies to them, and the costs associated with its existence. This generation, closely tied to digital imagery and fleeting impressions, is the one that will inherit these complex conservation narratives.

I’m proud to announce that this series will find its home on The Eco Advocate, where it will embrace honesty and grounding in reality. I hope that it will challenge the comfortable notions we often hold about conservation: who it serves and what its true purpose is.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Culture and Animals Foundation for their belief in these pivotal questions. This grant represents more than mere funding; it is a recognition that the ethics surrounding our treatment of animals and the intertwined communities demand thorough, thoughtful exploration. Together, we can navigate the stories that need telling and reconsider our role in this intricate web of life.