Wildlife
December 2025
Surviving the City: The Grey Crowned Crane's Fight
Uasin Gishu County hosts an estimated 27% of Kenya's entire grey crowned crane population. Here's what we're doing to keep them safe.
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Wildlife Stories
February 2026
Farewell Festus โ A Lion's Life Worth Remembering
The Brigadier Boinett Foundation regrets to announce the passing of Festus, a male lion who had been under the care of the Eldoret Animal Sanctuary since 2019.
Festus originated from the Maasai Mara ecosystem, where he spent the majority of his life in the wild. In his later years, he was involved in a territorial confrontation with younger, stronger males, during which he sustained severe injuries. Following his rescue by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Festus was admitted to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage for medical treatment and monitoring. After stabilisation, he was transferred in 2019 to the Eldoret Animal Sanctuary to receive long-term care.
For approximately five years, the sanctuary provided Festus with a safe and stable environment, supported by dedicated veterinary oversight and daily husbandry care. As he advanced in age, he developed multiple age-related health complications which progressively affected his mobility and overall condition.
On Friday, 6th February 2026, following professional veterinary assessment and in consideration of his welfare and quality of life, KWS officers made the humane decision to euthanize him.
Festus' life reflects both the realities of territorial conflict in the wild and the long-term responsibility required in wildlife rescue and lifetime care. His time at the Eldoret Animal Sanctuary stands as a testament to collaborative conservation efforts and the commitment to ensuring dignity and welfare in an animal's final years.
The Eldoret Animal Sanctuary is a key conservation and environmental education centre in the North Rift region, receiving over 1,000 schools annually for guided learning tours. Beyond caring for lions, the sanctuary plays a critical role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting endangered and vulnerable species across the region.
The Foundation extends its appreciation to the Kenya Wildlife Service, veterinary teams, sanctuary staff, and supporters who contributed to Festus' care.
