Living with

lions

When I was young, I hated and feared lions because they attacked the cattle my family rely on for milk. I was scared. I thought that one night a lion would eat me 
in my sleep. Now I love lions. I changed my mind when I got a job that helped me learn about wildlife. I now know lions are important to our country, to our community and to everyone. I try to teach others in the local community and change more people’s minds that we can live with wildlife. 
 

I’m the only female conservationist in my community. When I started work, I managed 50 men who collected data about landscapes and wildlife. At first, people thought the men wouldn’t listen to me, but they were respectful and keen to learn. Today we achieve a lot together. We show local people that lions are important and that conservation can help people as well as wildlife. Lions keep ecosystems healthy and in balance, and they attract tourism, which provides jobs.

I’m a role model for my community now. More women are getting involved in different projects such as beekeeping and selling beadwork, and the whole community benefits from their efforts. Women can buy cows, send their children to school and buy food for their families. One father told me, “I want my daughter to be like you,” and that made me feel great. I’m happy that the future is bright for women in conservation