Cosmas came to his Cheetah Conservation Fund interview in an oversized borrowed suit and executed the interview with passion and confidence – he was hired in February 2002. He was fresh out of his undergraduate studies in India and itching to practice conservation. His confidence grew as his skills in conservation were polished. He completed his masters degree in Ethiopia, and several trainings in GIS, cheetah biology and conflict mitigation between 2006 and 2008. Cosie held down the fort while Mary also completed her Masters Degree. Cheetah studies shifted from the Nakuru region to a National Cheetah Survay and then to Makueni where ACK built its first field base. Cosie mentored and trained more than 20 students, interns and staff members between 2001 and 2014 when he took a new role as lecturer.

Although he left ACK employment for a few years, Cosmas maintained contact with staff and former interns continuing to mentor them in their careers. In 2018, Cosmas accepted a position as a consultant working with ACK on pilot projects for the second National Cheetah Survey. At this point, ACK had a second field location built in Samburu County in the heart of the Meibae Community Conservancy. This location was perfect for Cosmas to pursue his interests in climate adaptability and conflict mitigation. Cosmas was appointed Assistant Director in 2020, returning to ACK full time.

Cosmas managed the staff of 15 in various roles in education, research and community conservation. He was a solid and consistent manager always taking culture and science into consideration. He quickly developed relationships in every area where he worked. He loved working with people and he loved working with distance software to analyze trends in cheetah and other species.

In the second week of June, 2023, Cosmas became ill at the ACK camp. It seemed to be a cold or flu, but did not seem severe. He was encouraged to visit a doctor by workmates and family, stating that he would go in if he started feeling worse. On the night of 10 June he retired to his tent after a couple of days with poor appetite. In the morning, when he did not come for breakfast, his workmates checked on him and found him unresponsive in his tent. After arranging for a driver, the workmates and rangers entered his tent to find that Cosmas had passes away in his sleep. Authorities were called to the scene and ACK assisted the family in transporting Cosmas from the camp to Nairobi. A local helicopter pilot was working nearby and agreed to carry Cosmas and one additional staff member from the ACK camp to Nairobi. On arrival the family met the chopper with transport vehicles to bring Cosmas home where preparations could begin for his final resting place.

It is always a sad day to lose a loved one, but when someone is taken at such a young age it is an even harder issue to deal with. Cosmas had a smile that would light up a room – it has always been referred to as contagious. He had a presence that beamed with confidence. Cosmas was a hugger, and when he greeted you with a hug it warmed your soul. His presence and his contribution to cheetah conservation will be missed and the foundation he has laid for all who come after him is strong. Without Cosmas, ACK would not have had the success or impact on cheetah conservation. Even though his first love was wild dogs and his first project work was with elephants, Cosmas grasped the opportunity to build a legacy.

Cosmas will be missed.

It was only fitting that he flew home in a chopper and that he will now fly high above us shining a guiding path for many to follow. With this campaign we ask for contributions to assist the family in covering the transport costs. Any funds raised over the $3,000 needed to cover the transport will be placed in a trust to assist with education of Cosmas’ two children. Education of his children has been his greatest priority. His son and daughter were Cosmas’ greatest pride in life. We would like to provide them with the best opportunity to follow in Cosmas’ footsteps to pursue their dreams.

Thank you for your support and for all the warm thoughts given to the ACK staff and family during this difficult time.