Chinese passion fuels Kenya's conservation front lines

When Zhuo Qiang first visited Kenya's scenic plains of Maasai Mara in 2004 to see the lions, a lasting conservation seed was planted that has seen him work tirelessly to protect lions and other wild animals. Eight years later, the Chinese national was back in Kenya, this time not as a tourist but as a conservationist with plans to protect the lions that had made an impression on him.

Since then, Zhuo, a former government employee from Southwest China's Chongqing municipality, has dedicated his life to working with the local Maasai community to protect wildlife and reduce conflict between humans and animals through the Mara Conservation Fund, which he founded in partnership with local conservationist Simon Masago.

Zhuo, who was given the name 'Simba' by the locals, which means lion in the Swahili language, has also guided the Mara Conservation Fund in holding conservation activities that prioritize the integration of local communities and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism. Today, the fund has become one of the most recognized organizations in Kenya for wildlife conservation.