Big Life Foundation

I donate as much as I can to this non-profit because of its holistic approach : caring about every shareholder from school children to bull elephants, and looking for and finding win-win solutions to daunting problems. I will continue to support them as long as I can.

Big Life’s multi-tiered approach to true conservation in East Africa is why I have been supporter for 8 years and will continue my support for years to come.

Closely working with local communities Big Life uses innovative strategies across East Africa. The conservation models they have established have been groundbreaking and can be replicated across the African continent.

The Big Life rangers program employs hundreds of local Maasai rangers with permanent outposts, field units, vehicles, planes for aerial surveillance and are at the forefront in the anti-poaching battle.

Our continued support of Big Life is needed so that they may continue to expand their program to protect nature for all us.

I think that I first learned about Big Life Foundation when I stayed at Ol Donyo in Chyulu Hills, Kenya nearly 4 years ago. I have been a fan and supporter (now monthly) ever since. Their conservation work and anti-poaching success rate is magnificent. The partnership of Richard Bonham and the superb photographer Nick Brandt is a brilliant one. And some of their fund raising ideas are so innovative (e.g. Nick donating a portion of proceeds from some of his books and prints to the foundation). I will continue to support this wonderful NGO as I know my donations will be spent wisely and pro-actively!

I'm skeptical of a lot of conservation initiatives but Big Life's commitment to supporting the local community as well as the wildlife is a powerful testimony to how people and animals can live in harmony, without one receiving preferential treatment over the other. It's a model where everyone wins. Well done to the rangers!

Great nonprofit. Transparent, clear impact, and wonderful staff. I will be a lifelong supporter of Big Life's mission!

I came across Big Life Africa a few years ago. I love how transparent they are with their financial spending. I have been a supporter since the day I researched the organization and discovered how much good they do for both the animals and the community.

This is a fantastic charity ! Many wild life charities promise much, but this charity delivers. I have been supporting them for ten years, and also got many friends to support them. I went on an extended trip to Africa in 1999. The wild life was amazing, and it saddens me that in a mere 20 years it has diminished so much due to poachers, often killing elephants to provide chinese middle class with small ornaments they regard as a sign of wealth, as well as supersition. The rapid wealth of the chinese people is a good thing, but it has cost the world's wild life severely, in terms of tigers, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. Not to mention the grotesque over-fishing with illegal factory farming fish farming. Many in china for example do not realise that their love of ivory kills elephants, leaves babies without mothers to die, they think it is just a form of harvesting (cutting off tusks).

This is a great charity to support. It genuinely helps anti-poachers on the grounds, plus, Nick Brand's photographs are truly inspiring and utterly beautiful. So buy them !!!!

To be honest, one does not know what the big charities (whatever they are saying) are doing, whereas with this small charity one knows exactly what they are doing, and how they are doing it, with your donations, with regular updates.

Please help them.

xxxx

Lucky to spend time with the Big Life Rangers in 2019 and see firsthand the wonderful work they are doing in on the conservation frontline. On World Rhino Day, I'm grateful that they are out there protecting the Black Rhinos in the Chyulu Hills.

As a long time advocate for African Wildlife Conservation and board member of a African wildlife sanctuary, Big Life is a well deserved recognized leader in African Wildlife Conservation field. Their innovative policies have truly made a positive difference in the lives of wildlife.

I love that Big Life Foundation helps wildlife by helping the local community - so that everyone benefits. What a relief that the elephants of Amboseli can live in relative safety from poachers.

An organisation that works tirelessly to protect elephant populations across more than two million acres in southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania.

Their projects exemplify conservation in action by working and engaging with people locally while inspiring people globally to contribute to projects that preserve vulnerable wildlife

I recently conducted my MSc research in Amboseli and can attest that this organisation is truly community-minded just from the comments I got from the community there.

Big Life are consistently on the front line,just where and when they are needed.
Moreover they model the very best and most promising practice for the relationship of NGOs to communities - in particular the deep collaboration with the Maasai, which is world-leading, and among the most sustainable and hopeful models for minimising HWC to be found anywhere.


They make a huge contribution which deserves wider acknowledgement.

Visited BIG LIFE last year...they are doing an incredible job to protect the Amboseli ecosystem!!! Brilliant dedicated Ranger!!!

Great people doing a great mission! I hope they keep up the fight.

One of the most, if not THE most effective anti-poaching organizations on the ground now. So many elephants and other animals are alive because of Big Life.

I have been a supporter of Big Life Africa for many years. This organization is critical for the preservation and conservation of the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. This is only possible by continuing support of this fantastic organization but also due to the over 200+ Rangers employed at Big Life. By vehicle they patrol almost 280,000 KM and over 91,000 km by foot. They have protected wildlife from poachers & snares, they, along with tracker dogs search for wildlife that are injured, as well as track poachers or bushmeat hunters and bring them to justice, they fight bushfires over thousands of km's, they are in the field day after day week after week and are instrumental in keeping the Greater Amboseli ecosystem safe and well run. As far as I'm concerned, they are risking their lives every day to ensure that Amboseli wildlife continue to thrive. Without these Rangers, BIG LIFE would not exist. For all these reasons and more, I will remain a supporter of this amazing organization. If you don't support BIG LIFE AFRICA - pls check them out.

It's really the best way to help improve conservation.

They are doing amazing work in anti-poaching. They are doing such great work working with the local communities mitigating wildlife conflict. Under their watch poaching dropped significantly. You know that when donating to them that every cent is going directly to where it is needed.

I have such a great passion for African culture including Africa wildlife learning yourba and other languages as well I wanted to know how I one person can make a world of a change. So I reached out to this great foundation in which I was give stickers and information in which I took and passed out to my family and friends and as well to my kids school. Speaking to people and children why its important to donate and help protect their wildlife. This company made it all possible. So thank you for all that you guys do. I hope that one day I can help in person get my hands dirty

I'm a relatively new (6-9 months) supporter of Big Life, and a very enthusiastic one! I choose to direct my charitable giving to them because of their holistic approach to conservation. They of course protect vanishing animal species (and who doesn't love elephants?), but more importantly, Big Life supports the humans who share that space with the animals, bettering their lives in so many ways, with schools, traveling clinics and the Maasai Olympics. I was particularly impressed with their recent effort to identify young girls in crisis who need assistance during this unprecedented time and who are suffering even more than before from childhood marriages and FGM.

Amazing cause lead by an amazing group of people!!

I've been following Big Life and their critical conservation work for over five years, and I continue to be impressed with their approach to complex conservation challenges and involvement of the local community to find solutions. As the situation evolves, so do they!

This nonprofit is an excellent provider of protection to the wildlife in Africa! I am especially impressed by the fact that they work with the local population to educate about the horrendous practice of poaching. They train and employ the local population to patrol and prevent poaching. Big Life organizes the local peole in other types of competitive life experiences. I feel Big Life is an exemplary non-profit that other groups could look at to improve their practices. Thank you, Big Life, for all you do!

Big Life has accomplished amazing feats when it comes to protecting some Africa's most beautiful wild creatures while also helping local communities. The work they do is necessary, vital, and an important example of how if we work together, we can come up with good solutions that benefit everyone involved. Hopefully, because of the work of this organization and their supporters, the beauty of these wild creatures will remain for generations to come.

Thank you for your AMAZING efforts to save these majestic animals! I’m grateful your foundation exists!

Big Life continues to do the important and effective work to save these incredible creatures. If you value true wildlife advocacy, the kind that makes a difference, you should be supporting them and their work.

Fantastic organization that tries to work with communities to find solutions that ultimately protect the wildlife, support these folks!!!

The Big Life Foundation’s work in Africa is inspiring. The work with the animals and villagers is a role model for this kind of work. The project shows a great view of sustainability and promotes the best kind of partnership and collaboration among farmers, villagers and their neighboring wildlife. The integrity and respect that are integral to the foundation showcase the best of non profit organization.

Big Life Foundation's work in Africa to help preserve wildlife as well as helping realign cultural traditions in favor of conservation is truly impressive!

Amazing organization that promotes a great initiative. Really excited to see how Big Life Foundation expands in the coming months and years, so happy to be part of it in a small way and help along the journey.

This is a tremendous organization staffed by outstanding, idealistic, and conscientious professionals who are working hard to protect wildlife in Africa and promote the larger cause of taking care of the natural world. I have donated my hard-earned money to this organization and will continue to do so; they have a clear vision and are highly effective and strategic about pursuing it.

Definitely a wonderful organization. Their collaboration with LOCAL communities as well as other larger agencies allows them to make strides not often seen. I love their community based collaborative approach-- its a win win.

I love and care for our planet, and appreciate what Big Life Foundation does to protect such a special place in East Africa. For me, being able to replicate and produce tangible success is important. Big Life's results speak for themselves and their dedication to wildlife, habitat, and community is vital for a working relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world. I'm a proud Ranger Club member as well!

Any NGO that gives a voice to those that don't have one, is the NGO to support in my personal opinion. The work these guys do on a daily basis is what will determine whether my kids or grandchildren will ever have the opportunity to ever encounter these incredible animals in the wild. Well done to everyone involved.

We've supported Big Life Foundation for many years--they are simply one of the best organizations working to protect African wildlife.

I have been a Big Life donor for several years, and I’m continually impressed by the breadth of work they do. Big Life has done an incredible job of raising awareness about the fate of elephants and the illicit trading of ivory. Not only does Big Life combat poaching of elephants by putting “boots on the ground”, but they also work with community members to comprehend the economic value of these fragile creatures. I respect Big Life’s collaborative approach, which helps the communities understand the “big picture” of why it’s important to sustain their environment, in order to sustain themselves. Additionally, Big Life provides hundreds of jobs, and enables children to have access to education through scholarships and partnerships with schools. I’m confident my donations are making a difference. We can’t let the elephant suffer the same fate as the rhino!

My family has been a big supporter of Big Life for a few years now and will continue to donate!

Big Life is doing an incredible job at not only protecting the African wildlife but also educating people on the effects of poaching.

The Big Life Foundation's successful "feet-on-the-ground" work cannot be replaced. They do great work protecting vulnerable wildlife. Their rangers do work that few people are willing to do. Big Life's mission to find win/win solutions for the communities are one of the elements I value most. They are a phenomenal nonprofit !

I have been a monthly donor to Big Life Foundation for several years. They stepped up when the African elephant poaching was out of control and established teams to patrol in the Kenya Amboseli region and also in Tanzania. They have never faltered in doing all they can to keep elephants safe. They continue to expand their role in helping other animals and also helping the humans who live in the same areas with these animals, plus going after poachers to bring them to justice. I don't want to think about what could have happened to the wildlife if Big Life Foundation hadn't been formed.

Big Life's vision is based on an elegantly simple circlular concept. By supporting the local Maasai communities with jobs that support Big Life's conservation effort, providing educational scholarships for the Massai children and offering health care services to the Maasai communities, the communities in turn will support conservation. As a result of Big Life's work the Maasai people they realize that if the poaching and killing of wildlife continues they will be the ones to suffer; their jobs and all of the services that Big Life provides as will all of the tourist who visit this vast Amboseli Kilimanjaro ecosystem will completely disappear. This model deserves to be replicated throughout Africa. It has been extremely successful - it works. And that's why my wife and I support Big Life in a big way.

Amazing nonprofit. Huge impact. My #1 place to donate and support!

We have been to east Africa twice so far with plans to continue to visit this wonderful and vast area which holds such spectacular wildlife. In our two previous visits to Africa, it was obvious that the awe-inspiring work that Big Life does on a continuing basis to protect elephants and other wildlife and their habitat while taking measures to minimize human-wildlife conflict is without precedent!

The Big Life Foundation is absolutely critical to the well-being of African elephants and other wildlife. Without their intervention and vigilance to stop poaching and maintain habitat, I am convinced that we would soon see the complete collapse of the elephant population.

My wife and I continue to provide funding to the Big Life Foundation so their dedicated personnel on the ground in Africa can continue to do the hard, but necessary work to preserve these special animals.

I have been donating and loving BIG LIFE for years. They are the only agency that truly tries to get the poachers, have dedicated rangers and training programs, as well as committed interaction with the communities. Almost all (if not all) the donations go directly to the program. Both Nick Brandt and Richard Bonham have been protecting these wonderful elephants for many years and in many ways. Having had first hand experience working with elephants in South Africa, I cannot emphasize enough how necessary and wonderful the work that they are doing for all of us. Five stars are not enough for their fabulous dedication and hard work

Big Life foundation protects the endangered species in East Africa. The poaching has decreased with their program on the involvement of local communities and paroling the Kenya-Tanzania borders. They are a model for their multi layer approach to protect conservation. They are to be commended for the work they do. Our wild life is precious. The community involvement gives the people pride in their land and animals.

Big Life Foundation has granted me the opportunity to help protect amazing animals such as the African Elephant from poaching through donations. I wish I had the opportunity to be onsite to provide assistance with park protection, park ecological remediation and any other tasks that need to be done to provide protection and conservation to the elephant population. I believe Big Life Foundation is working very hard to save and protect rare and priceless animals. Moreover, I believe very strongly in the work Big Life foundation is conducting and I will continue to provide donations to aid their efforts.

I love Big Life! They do such great work to help wildlife and local communities in East Africa.

I support Big Life because of their tangible, on-the-ground programs in East Africa. Big Life is the model for protecting Africa’s incredible wildlife through the engagement of local communities. They undertake a long-term, multilayered approach to conservation, which makes them a joy to donate to. Keep up the good work!

- George Hatcher

The work Big Life does is critical and will decide if our kids and grandkids have the great fortune to live in a world with wild elephants, big cats, rhinos and other iconic African wildlife. We're all connected and what happens in Africa will write our story across the planet.

96 elephants a day across Africa are killed for their ivory. At that rate, we have maybe 12 or so years left of wild elephants in Africa. Last year, Big Life only lost one elephant to poachers in their area of operation. That's an incredible success rate! And only the tip of the iceberg of their programs protecting lions, rhino and other critical wildlife, all done in collaboration with the local community. Cannot recommend Big Life enough.

While every NGO prides itself on laudable goals, too few can pride distinguish themselves by their means in the way Big Life can.

By empowering local communities to find self-interest in conservation, Big Life succeeds in building the real local support that best preserves a lasting legacy.

Passion for conservation, innovative practices, educating the local people and public. bolstering the communities in which they work. Those are the characteristics that attracted me to Big Life and I am never disappointed. Thank you Big Life, the difference you make, makes all the difference in the world!

Meaningful and innovative work being done locally and internationally to protect the large animals of Africa. Big Life works diligently to seek solutions to conflicts presented by an expanding modernity and the needs of the natural world.

What an amazing foundation. Not only to they save and conserve wild animals but they boost the local communities at the same time!

For 6 years did my husband and I patiently wait to attend a photo exhibition of Nick Brandt, co-founder of Big Life Foundation. First, to see Brandt's trilogy "ON THIS EARTH, A SHADOW FALLS ACROSS THE RAVAGED LAND" in Ulm, Germany then to Paris for his latest collection "INHERIT THE DUST", we are fully charged with anticipation!
Not only is Nick Brandt my artist of choice, director of the Michael Jackson "Earth Song" video and does he personally answer E-mails...he's a God-send whose life-changing work shatters one's ignorance...particularly, this latest collection in which he photographs his life-size images of African wildlife in their former natural settings now transformed beyond their habitation.
Together with Big Life co-founder Richard Bonham and their team of Rangers, they are the first organization in East Africa of coordinated anti-poaching teams operating on both sides of the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Peace,
Cindy Barg
Artist

I have followed the success 0f BIG LIFE on line seeing their outstanding work and success stories in reducing the poaching nightmare within their area of operations. I was fortunate on two visits to meet the staff as well as several game scouts/rangers on the job as well as witness the coordinated efforts to treat wounded animals. The warrior class now competes with each other athletically in the Maasai Olympics rather than spearing lions to prove their prowess and bravery. I know of no other NGO as effective in dealing with poaching and human wildlife conflict.

Huge Kudos to BLF - this last year you have once again led the battle against poaching from the front..... Its a war that will still take time to win - sustained interaction with communities and vigilant protection will get us there.

Big Life are showing the way forward to conservation in Africa - I greatly admire their tireless dedication, enthusiasm and passion. keep up the amazing work.

I visited the headquarters of Big Life twice in 2013, and heard from their conservation staff about their programs to protect lions and elephants by passing tourist revenue on to the community, through employment, education, and incentives for co-existing peacefully with animals. I was very impressed by their work, and have supported them in developing a partnership with Oakland Zoo.

They are my heroes in conservation work!

Big Life generates the largest impact, dollar for dollar, out of any Africa wildlife based non profit. i found this to be true for two main reasons: 1) the passion and quality of their management and staff 2) the impact of their innovative programs like Predator Compensation Fund and Maasai Olympics.
The platform they have created works and now needs to spread to cover more territory in more countries.

This organization is not only doing great work, but very important work. I encourage everyone I know to contribute and support Big Life.

I hold this organization close to my heart as it continues to exceed my expectations with the work it does for something I feel so passionately about.

I have been a regular donor and fundraiser for Big Life's programs since 2010. On several occasions, I have been pleased to learn my contributions were put to work in the field within days of receipt and helped provide supplies that allowed the rangers to catch bad guys. I have never worked with an organization that put my money to work so quickly. I also love reading the Bush and Big Life News on their website to learn more about their challenges and success stories.

Such an important NGO, doing vital work on the front line in Africa.
I support their work because they do what they say and they get results.

It has been an honour to be associated and involved with such a top rate organization. The work that Big Life does everyday has had an enormous impact on saving Elephants and protecting wildlife within the ares in Africa where they operate. My hope is that the operations can be continuously expanded to include a even greater area of protection for the threatened species.

I set up Big Life Canada as a sister organization to Big Life Foundation four years ago in response to the many Canadians who wanted to help support Big Life's conservation work in East Africa. Big Life's approach, its people and their ability to make a positive impact is remarkable. What has been accomplished in a short period of time is very impressive. I have seen for myself the Big Life operations in Africa and am grateful every day to be associated with such a fine group of committed people who are actually making a difference.

I joined the board of Big Life Canada four years ago to help stop the unprecedented slaughter of elephants in East Africa. In four years, I have witnessed how the Big Life approach of engaging with the local community, the dedication of all of its rangers, staff and volunteers can make a difference...and hopefully save this treasure for future generations.

Big Life's accomplishments in a relatively short period of time have earned the respect of donors as well as other NGOs, while its commitment to local communities - from supporting education, to capacity building, to mitigating human-wildlife conflict - has resulted in fantastic working partnerships throughout the Amboseli ecosystem. Rangers are highly regarded and work closely with the people living adjacent to protected areas, elephant and rhino poaching has been massively curtailed, and lion populations are increasing. Big Life's strong leadership - Richard Bonham, Nick Brandt and Kim McCoy -are to be hugely commended. I am proud to be involved with this wonderful organisation.

I have followed the progress of this organization for a few years now. Rarely have I seen a group of people so committed or so effective. Big Life has cut through all the usual conservation rhetoric and developed ingenious and creative ways of taking action. The area they manage is now a secure haven for wildlife as well as a place where the local community benefits. The people are empowered and are now willing custodians of the natural treasures around them. I have been fortunate enough to visit the Big Life HQ and hear from the people on the ground. They are a truly inspiring, courageous and determined group of individuals.

Fully behind you, your efforts, your people. My only disappointment being the inability to do far more.

While it's common to find conservation charities that work overseas, it's truly remarkable how inter-culturally respectful Big Life is, empowering local folks on the ground to care for their own communities. I'm glad they helping save the majestic and precious elephants and rhinos from extinction, and I'm glad they're conscientious about *how* they're striving towards that future.

I am so grateful for organizations like BLF who preserve wildlife and our environment while supporting local communities. It gives me great hope for a brighter future for our children. Thank you so much for your hard work.

As a mother I hold deep gratitude for BLF continued efforts to help protect and save our wildlife for years to come. Without BLF our future generations most likely will not be able to see and learn from such beautiful creatures. I will be eternally grateful for their efforts and continue to look forward to further success on behalf of BLF.

I love the way Big Life incorporates the "boots on the ground" concept with community involvement. The best way to halt the destruction of the natural resources that make East Africa so fertile, is to have laws in place that protect the environment. But laws are not enough, you need to have buy-in from the communities that are most effected by the parks. Big Life does all this and more. My (safari) hat is off to them!

I have had the good fortune to see this non profit in action and to know some of their members for many years. Their intentions are noble and their ability to translate those intentions into action is nothing short of amazing. Big Life does a great job at bringing solutions to problems that are half way around the world into our lives.

The work that this organization provides is profound. I support them fully!

A far reaching institution that furthers animal conservation.

An outstandingly effective organization. I have followed this organization for a few years now and feel that Amboseli is more secure thanks to the life-saving efforts of BLF.

Exceptional non-profit that plays a critical role in protecting some of Earth's critical wildlife habitat.

Big Life Foundation has boots on the ground to protect endangered animals. They provide intensive training of their staff and maintain a sharp focus on critical issues of poaching for profit.

They do such important work! Great staff, great people, and such beautiful animals saved.

Three cheers for the anti-poaching rangers! Direct action gets results. Kudos to Big Life.

I believe in grassroots and direct action conservation that is inclusive of local people and empowers them to be part of the solution. Big Life represents all of this and so much more. I could not be prouder to be a donor. I encourage anyone who cares about the fate of our planet and critically endangered animals to review their programs and donate today. Your funds will be used wisely and effectively for the greatest results - animals and their environment saved. At the rate they are being poached African elephants will be extinct in less than ten years. Many African rhino species are already on the edge of extinction. These are animals that have been on our planet for tens of millions of years and which play a critical role in their ecosystems. Yet we are losing them on our watch and they are literally disappearing before our eyes. The positive news is that Big Life Foundation and it's team of brave rangers are on the front lines of this battle using innovative tactics to deliver highly effective results.