Kenyan Man Who Provided Water To Wildlife During Dry Seasons Dies

Kenyan Man Who Provided Water To Wildlife During Dry Seasons Dies

  • Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua aka "the water man,” is dead
  • Kilonzo became a global hero for providing water for thirsty animals in drought-stricken Tsavo West National Park
  • He would drive for hours, at his own cost, to deliver 3,000 gallons of water in his water truck four evenings a week

The conservation world is mourning a global hero: Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, affectionately known as the “water man.”

Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua
Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua: Kenyan Man Who Provided Water to Wildlife During Dry Seasons Dies
Source: UGC

Kilonzo earned global recognition for his tireless efforts in offering life-saving water to thirsty wild animals in Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park.

What caused Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua's death?

The water man was a regular in the drylands where severe drought often affects buffalo, antelope, zebras, and elephants' lives.

He would drive for hours, at his own cost, to deliver 3,000 gallons of water in his water truck four evenings a week.

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Kilonzo's family shared the news of his passing on social media, indicating that he died after a long battle with kidney failure.

"We wish to take this opportunity to welcome any form of support to give him a befitting send-off and also continue with the good work of conservation," read the Instagram post by family spokesperson Jones Chengo.

Kilonzo's wife's eulogy

In a post on Facebook, Kilonzo's wife eulogised him as a beacon of love , kindness and generosity.

She praised him for touching the lives of everyone and being an ambassador for wildlife.

"We are committed to giving him the dignified send-off he truly deserves," she promised.
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How did Kilonzo start the mission?

It all began when the passionate farmer witnessed the devastating effects of global warming on Kenya’s land.

With rainfall patterns changing dramatically, water sources dried up, leaving wildlife in dire straits.

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Determined to make a difference, he embarked on a mission to provide water to the animals who depended on it for survival.

Every day, he drove for hours to fill the parched watering holes with fresh water.

Whenever he arrived, the animals would gather eagerly, their survival instincts guiding them to the life-giving resource.

Mwalua Wildlife Trust

His passion for wildlife inspired people worldwide as he was featured in several international media outlets.

Inspired by his hard work and dedication, a group of American women set up a GoFundMe page to help with his work.

This led to the creation of the Mwalua Wildlife Trust, an organization committed to sustainable water solutions for humans and wildlife in the Tsavo ecosystem.

Although deceased, his legacy will live on, reminding us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on our planet and its inhabitants.

Computer scientist attempts to use AI to prevent roadkills

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YEN.com.gh reported that in Brazil, where about 16 wild animals become roadkill every second, a computer scientist has devised a futuristic solution to this problem: using AI to alert drivers to their presence.

Direct strikes on the vast South American country's extensive road network are the top threat to numerous species forced to live ever closer to humans.

According to the Brazilian Center for Road Ecology (CBEE), some 475 million vertebrate animals die on the road yearly -- mostly smaller species such as capybaras, armadillos and possums.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Berlinda Entsie avatar

Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh

Cornerlis Affre avatar

Cornerlis Affre (CA and Politics Editor) Cornerlis Kweku Affre is a Current Affairs Editor at Yen.com. He covers politics, business, and other current affairs. He has worked with Myjoyonline.com for four years and was previously a radio host and news editor at RadioGIJ. You can reach out to him at cornerlis.affre@yen.com.gh