Saving The Last Tree-Climbing Lions

We need your urgent help!

On Wednesday 11 April 2018, the world learnt of the death of an entire pride of lions, consisting of 3 lionesses and their 8 cubs. They were the pride of Queen Elizabeth National Park and were affectionately known as the Kogere pride. They were special because of their tree-climbing abilities. They raised thousands of dollars for the Ugandan tourism industry, were studied as part of several scientific projects and were filmed for a recent Nat Geo Wild film. 

Why were they poisoned and the realities of poor people and lions living together.

The Kogere pride was poisoned because they ventured outside of the national park and attacked cattle in the Hamkungu village. Villagers here make just a few dollars a day and losing a cow can be devastating to a family's income. The news of the prides death was devastating to park rangers, tourists and every day people across Uganda. 

Uganda's lions are absolutely unique; their tree-climbing acrobatics are incredible and their home is only one of two places in the whole of Africa where this happens regularly. Please help us raise funds in order to stop such tragic events in the future.


How will the money you donate help the last tree-climbing lions?

The funds you donate will be used for three key activities:

1) to help compensate villagers for any cattle they lose to lions and so they become more tolerable to having them venture into the village

2) building protective bomas to protect cattle at night from lions

3) putting cellphone collars on lions so that we can know exactly when they go into the village and we can warn villagers!


Who launched this campaign?

My name is Alex Braczkowski and I am a big cat scientist and wildlife cameraman. The Kogere pride was part of my study animals and are the stars of a new Nat Geo Wild film. I work with a team of passionate conservationists including Mustafa Nsubuga, Jimmy Kisembo and Sam Isoke - these men dedicate their lives to lion conservation in Queen Elizabeth park everyday.  The campaign is co-managed by my friend Chris Olsen, a US business professional with an interest in effective channeling of funds for evidence-based conservation. Chris is solely responsible for the withdrawal and management of funds for the project.


How does this project serve lion conservation?

Lions are in a crisis across much of Africa and there may be as few as 18 - 30 000 individuals left across the entire continent. Lions in East Africa are also declining across much of their remaining range. The incredible tree-climbing lions in Uganda are cultural icons and the world can't afford to lose them. They should be the flagships for all lions in Africa, but according to a study done ten years ago as few as 120 may remain in the park. This project will bolster lion conservation efforts in Queen Elizabeth National Park, will help the local conservation authority and will help spread awareness about lions and their challenges with people globally.