Drought Killing Kenyan Animals

A devastating video shown in the article, “Hundreds of animals die in Kenyan wildlife preserves amid region’s worst drought in decades” shows a small elephant lying on its side in the middle of a vast expanse of sand, with a man holding a water bottle into its mouth. Over a thousand parched animals have perished due to a relentless drought in Kenya’s wildlife preserves. This crisis is an example of the many endangered species facing extinction in the world we live in now, riddled with lack of water and climate change. Unfortunately, this drought in Kenya taking the lives of many precious animals is not unusual. This will be the third drought Kenya has had in the last decade, and in order to save these animals, water and salt licks (containing important minerals) need to be supplied. Elephants, on average, drink about 63 gallons per day. It is extremely hard to find that much water per elephant per day in the middle of a severe drought. However, for good news, both the government and everyday citizens are rallying to help these animals. Around 5 years ago, a pea farmer in Kenya would bring a truck full of water for thirsty elephants and other animals in a time of drought. Also, according to Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage” the government has been providing hay to affected species such as Gravy’s zebra and hippo, water trucking for wildlife in protected areas, enhanced surveillance of wildlife outside protected areas to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, and mobilizing resources for mitigating the impacts of the drought.” Hopefully, practices like this continue from citizens and the government to ensure the safety of these rare and special creatures. But, in the end, will it all be enough to save Kenyan animals from more deaths? And will the animals be able to survive another drought?