Global News - February 2008

< Back to Global News

Kenyan wildlife reserves hit by bush fires

Mon 25 February 2008 12:30 UK — Africa,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

As much as a third of one of Kenya's best known national parks, Lake Nakuru, has been destroyed by a series of wild fires, with fears that the now dormant blazes could re-ignite at any time.

Two separate bush fires started on Thursday (February 21st) and Friday and while no humans were injured in the blazes, park officials have been searching for dead and injured animals.

The Lake Nakuru reserve is home to populations of black and white rhinos, as well as other animals including leopards and a population of up to 1.5 million flamingos. Eyewitness Jayne Nguatah told the Times how some animals reacted to the fires.

"The buffalo really panicked, going in this direction and that," she said. "There were rhino and impala as well, all trying to get out of the way."

Commenting on the possibility of animals having been killed, Charles Muthui, the park's senior warden, added: "We think they have mostly escaped, but there are parts which have not been safe to reach until now."

The fires particularly affected forested areas of the reserve, the preferred browsing territory of the endangered black rhino, and the Times reported that the animals will move to other suitable areas in the park that have been unaffected by the devastation.

Help IAR save animals from suffering around the world.

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >