Two rangers were attacked by a lone buffalo while on routine patrol in Tsavo West National Park.
According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the incident happened on Wednesday, August 13, in the park's IPZ area.
"Every day, wildlife rangers face the wild, meeting unpredictable challenges to protect Kenya’s incredible wildlife. During a routine patrol in the IPZ area of Tsavo West National Park, two rangers came under sudden attack from a lone buffalo,” KWS stated.
KWS noted that one of the rangers was injured in the left leg. His colleague fired a warning shot, which drove the buffalo into the thicket and allowed them to escape.
The injured ranger was later airlifted to a Nairobi hospital for medical attention.
KWS expressed its concern for the safety of its staff and its commitment to protecting wildlife.
“Such moments are a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife, it is also about the courage, sacrifice and resilience of women and men in boots who risk their lives on the front lines.”
“We wish him a quick recovery and invite you to stand in solidarity with all rangers who protect Kenya's natural heritage,” KWS added.
In a separate incident on August 5, another ranger was injured by a rhino while on patrol at the park.
The injured ranger was rescued by the emergency team and airlifted to Nairobi for medical attention.
"This morning, one of our brave corporals was unfortunately injured by a rhino while on patrol. We responded swiftly, and with crucial support from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, he was airlifted to Nairobi for medical attention,” KWS noted.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya, where several other serious incidents have resulted in the loss of Kenyan lives including a case where a man was trampled to death by a herd of elephants in Kitui last month.
