Mukiri Kiburi, a four year old girl, was on Friday February 24, awarded by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) after rescuing an endangered tortoise.
Nairobi Animal Orphanage conferred Mukiri with a Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of her efforts, which saw the rare tortoise reunited with others.
Speaking during the awarding ceremony, Peter Njoroge, a senior officer at Nairobi Orphanage, stated that the four year old spotted the tortoise stranded and alerted her parents, who then informed wildlife service officers.
Besides receiving a KWS recognition, she was praised for conserving the environment and its habitats.
The rescued tortoise was first isolated for two weeks before joining others at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Details of the Rare Rescued Tortoise
It is known as Leopard Tortoise, and its scientific name is Geochelone pardalis.
Unlike turtle and other tortoise breeds, they tend to be shy and stick to the ground.
Leopard Tortoise are exclusively vegetarian in other occasions and are compelled to chew bones and hyena faeces for calcium content.
According to animal experts, Leopard Tortoise are extremely vulnerable to various predators when first hatched. They become safe after reaching about 20 centimeters.
The leopard tortoise does not dig other than to make nests to lay eggs.
It is the fourth largest out of the tortoise family. Their shell pattern is attractive and provides perfect camouflage in its home range.
