In 2025, I will run the London Marathon to raise funds for Born Free’s lion conservation efforts in Meru, Kenya. Last year, I spent time in Meru, photographing its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, while learning firsthand about the crucial work Born Free is doing to protect lions in the region.

Over 88% of the world’s lion population has vanished in the last century, primarily due to trophy hunting, poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The lions of Meru are particularly at risk, as they often come into conflict with pastoralist communities who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. When lions prey on livestock, retaliatory killings occur, and the predators are driven ever closer to extinction.

Born Free’s Conservation Work in Meru:

Through their "Pride of Meru" initiative, Born Free is addressing the causes of conflict and promoting coexistence between local communities and wildlife. Their work focuses on:

Monitoring Lion Populations: Born Free, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, closely tracks the lion population in Meru National Park. Since 2016, they’ve been gathering extensive data, helping to better understand the lions’ movements and how they interact with communities.

Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict: The project trials simple, low-cost methods to prevent lions and other carnivores from attacking livestock, helping communities protect their animals while reducing the motivation for retaliation.

Conservation Education: Through innovative programs like ‘Kick to Conserve,’ which combines football tournaments with conservation messaging, Born Free is changing attitudes and fostering greater tolerance towards lions.

Community Engagement: Born Free’s Conservation Ambassadors, recruited from local communities, help mediate conflicts, report issues, and offer solutions. This grassroots approach also helps to address poverty and education gaps, ensuring that communities see real benefits from protecting wildlife.

Together, We Can Make a Difference:

The survival of lions in the wild depends on initiatives like Pride of Meru. By sponsoring my marathon run, you’ll be helping to:

- Protect Meru’s lions through ongoing monitoring.

- Expand the use of conflict mitigation tools to prevent livestock losses.

- Support community-led conservation and education programs that benefit both people and wildlife.

Thank you!