Loisaba Conservancy Quarterly Update: Quiet Victories and Bold Challenges (April–June 2026)

At Loisaba Conservancy, conservation is often measured by the victories that don't make headlines. A rhino safely protected, an invasive species removed, a child inspired to care for wildlife, or a ranger completing another patrol without incident.

The second quarter of 2026 was defined by exactly these kinds of achievements. From April to June, Loisaba celebrated 39 protected rhinos with zero poaching incidents, welcomed a new detection dog to its K9 unit, recorded significant wildlife research milestones, and continued investing in the communities that make conservation possible.

Meanwhile, the conservancy's story reached an international audience as RHINO, the documentary following Loisaba's black rhino conservation programme, screened at London's Raindance Film Festival ahead of its African premiere later this year.

Zero Poaching, One Strong Rhino Population

One of the quarter's greatest successes was maintaining 39 black and white rhinos with no poaching incidents throughout the entire period.

This achievement reflects the tireless work of Loisaba's ranger teams, who patrol the conservancy on foot, by vehicle and from the air, supported by neighbouring communities that remain an essential part of protecting wildlife.

The K9 unit also welcomed its newest recruit, Kovu, a young detection dog who has begun training alongside the team. Every new dog strengthens Loisaba's ability to detect illegal activity and support anti-poaching operations across the conservancy.

Running 230 Kilometres for Rangers and Rhinos

This September, conservation ambassador Charles Berrington will take on one of the world's toughest endurance events in support of wildlife protection.

From 7–11 September, Charles will compete in the ForRangers Ultra—a gruelling 230-kilometre, self-supported ultramarathon crossing the conservancies of Laikipia. Carrying everything needed to survive on his back and camping in the bush each night, the challenge is designed to raise awareness and vital funding for the rangers protecting Africa's wildlife.

For Charles, the challenge is about much more than endurance.

"This will be the toughest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, but it's nothing compared to the sacrifices made by the rangers who protect our wildlife every single day. I want to raise as much funding as I can for them."

Adding even greater significance to the event, the highest fundraiser across the entire race will earn the extraordinary privilege of naming Ushindi's male calf, one of Loisaba's newest black rhinos.

Ushindi became known around the world after surviving a dramatic encounter with a territorial lion shortly after her translocation to Loisaba. She recovered fully and, this March, gave birth to her first calf—a powerful reminder of the resilience of both wildlife and conservation.

Restoring the Rangelands

Protecting wildlife also means protecting the landscapes they depend upon.

Loisaba continued making significant progress against invasive Opuntia cactus, clearing an estimated 275 additional acres during the quarter. A third mechanical removal team joined the programme, while biological control expanded through the use of cochineal insects bred in Loisaba's purpose-built greenhouse.

Together, these efforts are restoring valuable grazing land for wildlife and livestock alike.

Counting Wildlife Across a Living Landscape

Understanding wildlife populations begins with careful observation.

During the quarter, researchers photographed and catalogued animals across the conservancy, producing valuable insights into movement patterns and population health.

The elephant identification database grew from 453 known individuals at the end of May to 547 by the close of June, highlighting the important role Loisaba plays as a wildlife corridor connecting the Laikipia and Samburu ecosystems.

Researchers also estimate that the conservancy supports approximately 163 giraffes and have now individually identified 43 leopards.

Behind every statistic is a dedicated veterinary and ranger team responding to wildlife emergencies throughout the year. During this quarter alone, the veterinary unit treated a Grevy's zebra injured by a snare, cared for an injured lion from a neighbouring conservancy, and rescued both an abandoned zebra foal and an eland calf. Encouragingly, both young animals are recovering well.

Taking the Rhino Story to the World

Loisaba's conservation work reached audiences far beyond Kenya this quarter.

The documentary RHINO, which tells the story of the conservancy's growing black rhino population, screened at the prestigious Raindance Film Festival in London during June. The film will make its African premiere on 26 September, close to World Rhino Day, bringing Loisaba's conservation journey to an even wider audience.

The conservancy also saw remarkable growth across its digital platforms. A post celebrating World Female Ranger Week reached more than 345,000 people, helping Facebook page views increase to more than 760,000 during June alone.

Investing in People as Well as Wildlife

Conservation and community remain inseparable at Loisaba.

Throughout the quarter, 81 students continued receiving educational scholarships while school meal programmes and mobile health clinics supported partner communities.

The Chui Mamas Women's Centre continued creating opportunities through beadwork, tailoring, soap-making and honey production, alongside business skills training and programmes promoting coexistence with wildlife.

Tourism also continued generating direct community income. Cultural bomas welcomed 74 visitors, generating more than KES 324,000, while a successful cattle sale strengthened local livelihoods. In June, 168 school children visited Loisaba during four conservation education days, learning first-hand about Kenya's wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

Outstanding Guest Experiences

Loisaba's commitment to excellence extended to its hospitality operations.

Across May and June, Loisaba Tented Camp achieved the highest Overall Trip Score across the Elewana Collection with an outstanding 99%, while Lodo Springs and Star Beds followed closely with 98%.

Guests praised unforgettable sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, both rhino species, Grevy's zebras and African wild dogs, alongside experiences including camel safaris, horse riding, guided bush walks, tracker dog demonstrations and community visits.

"The setting is stunning, the villas are beautiful, and the hospitality is exceptional... we look forward to returning again!" — Loisaba Lodo Springs guest

Looking Ahead

As the second quarter of 2026 comes to a close, Loisaba continues to demonstrate that meaningful conservation is built through consistency, collaboration and long-term commitment.

With 39 rhinos protected, zero poaching incidents, a growing wildlife database, expanding habitat restoration, stronger community partnerships and international recognition through RHINO, the conservancy continues to prove that lasting conservation success is achieved one patrol, one partnership and one positive step at a time.

Whether supporting rangers on the frontline, restoring vital habitat, investing in local communities or sharing conservation stories with the world, every effort contributes to protecting one of Kenya's most remarkable landscapes for generations to come.