Survival in the Wilderness

The animals of the Maasai Mara Park in Kenya have only one want in life, and that is to live calmly, without fear and intrusion, and without the continuous interference of the people on their land. The safari jeeps, their engines, the noise and pollution; it all casts a smoky haze over their happiness and freedom, and disturbs the natural tranquillity of their environment.

Of course, it has its benefits; the animals are able to enjoy a relatively peaceful life, free from the violence of the outside world, safe in the national park. But the Maasai people had no right to take over; to force their way into the animals’ habitat. They didn’t ask the many thousands of creatures if they could bring into their world never-ending throngs of tourists who would gawp at their young and take photographs with bright-flashing bulbs. They didn’t ask how they felt about the noise and the tyre marks or the disruption they left in their wake, nor did they ask if it was okay that they return the next day, with no end in sight.

The animals want a change. They want normality. They want peace. They want to show their cubs and calves a different life­—one without the seemingly never-ending presence of man, vehicles and fumes. Their wants require that they join forces with the Safari park authority and the Maasai people—collaborate and negotiate—in order to find a resolution—one that will allow them to continue to live their lives in harmony with the other animals of the wildlife park.