Animals
National Animal
The Lion“The only good cage is an empty cage.”
Lawrence Anthony
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Dolphins, whales, turtles, crabs, dugongs.
Birds:
Ostriches, flamingoes, ducks, cuckoos, nightjars, albatrosses, storks, pelicans, herons, egrets, bitterns.
Land mammals:
Elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wild dogs.
Snakes and insects:
Crocodiles, skinks, lizards, geckos, tortoises, agamas, spiders, wasps.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats and dogs are common in most parts of the country. Urban farming in certain areas of the city, where cages with live chickens are left on the streets, while goats and cows are seen in peoples backyards.
In theCountryside
They have been reports that in rural areas villagers use poisoned food and arrows to combat the animal aggressors. Lions, elephants and others get killed from these acts. They claim these animals cause them damage to property and livestock and even kill villagers from time to time.
General animal welfare issues
In May 2018, it has been reported that a new bill on animal cruelty is currently under its draft stage. It was said to include heavier penalties on cruel animal transport and establishment of a regulatory agency handling animal welfare matters.
Hunting or poaching:
Elephant hunting for ivory trade was banned in Kenya since 1973. Despite the ban, a number of poached elephants and other wildlife were still recorded regularly. In May 2018, it was reported that laws would soon make wildlife poaching as a capital offense, punishable by death penalty. Unregulated donkey skin is a big export field in kenya to supply the demand of Chinese traditional medicine called Ejiao.
Animal fights:
Fighting and baiting of animal is illegal. However, bull fighting still happens in some parts of the country as it is considered as a traditional sport. Some dogs in shelters have been reportedly used in dog fighting.
Sanctuaries to visit or volunteer:
LEWA Wildlife Conservancy • Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Maasai Mara
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
