The Waterhole Restoration Project is working to save:
18 natural waterholes that serve wildlife and livestock on the Merrueshi Group Ranch. The ranch is an important wildlife corridor between Chulu and Amboseli National Parks and a critical area for hundreds of wildebeest, zebra, eland, antelopes, elephants, and Maasai giraffe that depend on abundant acacia trees along Kiboko River.
Critical threats to wildlife:
- Excessive vegetation growth in the waterholes
- Human/wildlife conflict over shared wildlife corridors
- Long fences erected in wildlife corridors
Waterhole Restoration Success Stories
- A total of 11 waterholes have been restored. In 2008, after a successful rainfall, 80% of restored waterholes contained water for six months.
- Villagers reported an increase in the number of wildlife in the area as a result of the newly restored waterholes. With increased wildlife in the area, Merrueshi residents have been able to attract tourists who bring tangible economic benefits to the area.
- Five young people from the group ranch are attending college in Nairobi, specializing in wildlife management and tour guiding.
- Eighteen people have been working on seasonal basis for Maasai Simba Camp, the only tourists' camp in the group ranch.
- People are reaching out to Maasai Association for assistance when wildlife damage property such as shallow wells.
- 450 students have participated in environmental education programs.
Woodland Park Zoo created the Upapi African beading activity to teach about African culture, give zoo visitors a fun and interesting activity and help provide funding for the Waterhole Restoration Project.