Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a ranger protecting Kenya’s wildlife and forests? It starts with a rigorous evaluation process that puts candidates’ strength, endurance and determination to the test. Mara Elephant Project recently brought together 62 candidates—54 men and 8 women—from nine different communities bordering the Mau Forest for Phase One of recruitment for a new ranger team. Through a series of physical challenges, participants demonstrated their strength, endurance and mental resilience. We extend our appreciation to @KWSKenya and @KeForestService (KFS), whose rangers supported the recruitment process. Their participation highlights the importance of collaboration in strengthening conservation efforts. With Phase One complete, the recruitment now moves into the interview stage, followed by training for those selected. We’re excited to introduce you to our new ranger team once they complete their training. Stay tuned to follow their journey!

A rare discovery in the Mara! 🐘🐘 On this very special, and very adorable, episode of #MEPMissionMinute, we’re celebrating an extraordinary sighting in the Mara Triangle: twin elephant calves near Mara Serena! The calves, estimated to be just two to three weeks old, belong to Individual 1356, a mother last recorded by Mara Elephant Project’s long-term monitoring team in January. This set of elephant twins is rare indeed. Monitoring is the first step in the MEP Method because effective conservation starts with understanding elephants and the landscapes they depend on. By tracking individual elephants, recording family groups and documenting them over time, MEP’s research team gathers the vital information needed to evaluate trends, identify potential threats and build a clearer picture of elephant lives across the ecosystem. Every sighting adds to our understanding and helps guide conservation efforts. And this one is twice as special!