Who We Are
In the early 1980s, Kenya experienced a devastating poaching crisis that drastically reduced the country’s rhino population from 20,000 to fewer than 500 individuals. The Craig family, who owned Lewa at the time, joined forces with renowned ecologist Ana Merz to address this critical situation. They realised that a proactive and comprehensive initiative was necessary to safeguard these iconic species.
As a result, 5,000 acres of land were dedicated to conservation under the laws of Kenya, and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy was established. Over the next decade, the entire ranch was converted into a conservation area, marking the beginning of a new conservation model. This model aimed to involve and benefit the surrounding communities, pioneering a community-centric approach that would later serve as a global standard for conservancies.
Lewa not only focuses on protecting endangered species within its boundaries, but also undertakes translocation projects to reintroduce animals into new conservation areas. By relocating animals such as rhinos and zebras, Lewa has played an active role in repopulating and reestablishing wildlife outside the boundaries of Lewa, contributing to the broader conservation landscape in Kenya and beyond.
In recent years, Lewa has made significant investments in education, health, and micro-enterprise in surrounding communities. By integrating the local communities into conservation efforts, Lewa is also building sustainable livelihoods.
Through its multifaceted approach, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has undergone a remarkable transformation from a rhino sanctuary to a globally recognised conservation leader.
Lewa Values
Value of Wildlife
Wildlife has both intrinsic and extrinsic value and needs to be protected and optimised for communities near at hand, as well as stakeholders around the world.
Community
The broader Lewa community is the heart and soul of our work, the ultimate stewards of the wildlife, beneficiaries of our programmes, and our partners in conservation.
Collaboration
Lewa’s work depends on collaboration between our team members, with our community partners, other conservation organisations, and government. Lewa will never achieve its vision alone, and relies on collaboration to optimise impact.
Professionalism
Lewa strives to uphold the highest standards of excellence, professionalism and efficiency in all its operations.
Innovation
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential to innovating and designing best conservation practices.
Optimism
Lewa believes its vision is achievable, and strives to deliver pragmatic solutions that translate to direct impact.
Our Team
MIKE WATSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
LUCY NDIRANGU
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONS OFFICER
John kinoti
CHIEF OF PROGRAMMES AND PARTNERSHIPS
GEORGE RIOBA
CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER (CFO)
PURITY KINOTI
HEAD OF EDUCATION PROGRAMME
DOMINIC MARINGA
HEAD OF CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE
DORCAS NJERI
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES
ADRIAN PAUL
LOGISTICS MANAGER
EDWARD NDIRITU
ANTI-POACHING HEAD
john pameri
HEAD OF GENERAL SECURITY
LAWRENCE MUTUMA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
BENSON OJWANG
GRANTS AND IMPACT MANAGER
Lewa International Team
Stephanie Erickson, Director of Finance, Operations, & Data Management
Elizabeth Moloney, Development Director
Amanda Leon, Philanthropy Manager North America
Arielle Retrosi, Philanthropy Manager, North America
Heléna Mason, Philanthropy Manager UK/Europe
Dallas Pulver, Development Communications Manager, International
Alison Walsh, Development Coordinator, International
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Board of Trustees
Michael Joseph (Chair)
Mbuvi Ngunze (Vice Chair)
Munira Anyonge
Dr. Juliet Kipng’etich
Patricia K. Mbote
Dr. James Mworia
Alison Ngibuini
lewa uk board of trustees
Joseph Dryer (Chair)
Kathleen Crook
David Hillyard
Paul Mulholland
Sachin Rupani
Francesca Sanders
Fiona Sanderson
Lewa USA Board of Trustees
Tony Barclay (Chair)
Leslie Roach (Vice Chair & Chair of the Development Committee)
Debo Gage (Secretary & Chair of the Nominations Committee)
Schuyler Heuer (Treasurer & Chair of the Endowment & Finance Committee)
Sue Anschutz-Rodgers
Alex Beard
Katherine Chou
Brian Gitau
Sarah Gott
Mary Pope Hutson
Linda Millard
Myrta Pulliam
Betsy Searle
Laura Day Webb
Sara Zilkha
Emeritus Trustee: Gordon Pattee and Edith McBean
Lewa Canada Board of Trustees
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux (Chair)
Ryan Adams
Heather Dryden
Patricia Anne Koval
Charles Leighton
Suzanne MacDonald
Lewa Ambassadors
Eliud Kipchoge is widely recognised as the best marathon runner of all time, having won gold medals at the Olympics and the World Championships. He is also the first person in history to complete a marathon in less than two hours.
Martin Buzora is an acclaimed director and cinematographer based in Toronto whose work includes the series Kenya Wildlife Diaries (2016), featuring Lewa.
Our Partners
Operational/Technical Partners
Corporate & Nonprofit Partners
WOMEN’S MICROFINANCE INITIATIVE
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
GIRAFFE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO KEEPERS
RARE SPECIES CONSERVATORY FOUNDATION
Contact Us
OUR OFFICES
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Isiolo 60300, Kenya
Email: info@lewa.org
Phone: +254-722-203562/3
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY UK
P.O. Box 1686, Berkhamsted
HP4 9FE United Kingdom
Email: LewaUK@lewa.org
Charity registration: 1069800
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY USA
P.O. Box 4449
New York, NY 10163
Email: LewaUSA@lewa.org
Phone: +1 646.883.2870
EIN #: 87-0572187
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY CANADA
Department of Psychology, York University
4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Email: LewaCanada@lewa.org
Charity registration: 861876357 RR0001