Critically endangered black rhino habitat shrinks as controversial plans for a safari lodge move ahead in Kenya.
Disappointing update from our friends at Say Not to Somak: A 30-tent camp lodge operated by Somak Holidays and owned by Olkeju Rondkai will open for business inside critically endangered black rhino habitat located in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Thousands rallied behind the rhinos via social media – over 4,000 signatures were gathered for the I Will Not Safari with Somak – petition, but concerns have apparently been swept aside.
‘Say No to Somak’ efforts to protect black rhinos ignored by business interests
Despite grassroots efforts, public outcry, and opposition from leading conservationists such as Jonathan Scott of BBC’s Big Cat Diary, and the local Mara Triangle Game Reserve, Somak has reportedly decided to go ahead with the safari camp project.
According to Anne Rose, organizer of the Say No to Somak group on Facebook® and I Will Not Safari with Somak petition, various members of the Kenyan Tourism Federation will not be allowed to speak out further about the effects of the lodge on the black rhino habitat. She also noted that a marketing plan was underway to further develop the area.
Within the last couple of weeks, Olkeju Ronkai Ltd., Emuny Mara Camp Ltd and the Director of Somak in Kenya have jointly issued a court summons to … various members of the Kenyan Tourism Federation, effectively gagging them from talking on this issue.
Also in the last couple of weeks Olkeju Ronkai Ltd. have decided to launch an online campaign (hiring various marketing professionals from Nariobi) which purports to ‘Clean up the Mara’, but has undertones of undermining the Masai Mara Management Plan before it is even implemented. I am concerned that this campaign will cause even more damage as it seems set on destroying any hope of making the Masai Mara a sustainable tourism and wildlife destination.
For additional information on this issue, please see
- Say Not to Somak website
- Say Not to Somak on Facebook®
- Critically Endangered Black Rhino Habitat in Kenay Threatened by Somak Safari Lodge
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
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Wildlife safety in Kenya continues to be a nuisance. Somak and other partners think of this purely as business but what has the Government done about this? On one hand CITES finally managed to get the ban on poaching elephants for ivory trade and on the other the Kenyan Government along with business entities continue to endanger their own wildlife…Look at countries like Zambia and Rwanda!These countries are beginning to flourish with tourism, job opportunities for locals is increasing…Charity begins at home…it’s a shame. I would like to receive more information as well as notifications every time there is a project that requires further assistance in…Be glad to help.