Page 28 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 1

AFRICA’S WILD LIFE

Kenya’s

Big Six

On a fun side of things, it’s safe to say Kenya is like one huge wild life with fine cities in it. You simply
can’t wish away the beautiful presence of everything nature around you. Ranging from monkeys
sniping through your kitchen window for some afternoon snack, zebras grazing along the highway
not caring about the many cars and vehicles passing, and the various beautiful attitudes you see in
nature. Of this endless list, we present the popular Big Six of Kenya’s wildlife.
Msingi Afrika Magazine Team

The African Lion (Simba)

The male, beautiful, regal and powerful, with his distinctive
mane has been the subject of folklore, photographers and
movie makers for ages. With his trusty fierce and sleek
lionesses, skilled and efficient team of hunters by his side, he
makes for a formidable force on any hunting ground.
In the Bible, the lion has been a symbol of dominion, authority,
kingship and also a warning of dangers of sin.
In Kenya, this beautiful beast can be found in most parks and
game reserves across the country.

The African Elephant (Ndovu)

The African Elephant is the largest mammal, and while this animal
can show fierce aggression, it also has strengths that can be used
to inspire.
The Elephant has been said to have a long memory that connects
it not only to ancient migratory paths and pools of water but also
to long lost relatives and the bones of their departed. Elephants
have a strong sense of family and identity and show affection and
tenderness towards each other and will fight the fiercest of foes in
order to defend one another. The female of the species are the ones
chosen to lead the herd, not through any show of force or violence,
but rather through an identification of the most wise, most intelligent
and the one with the greatest ability to solve problems.

African Buffalo (Nyati)

The African Buffalo has been said to be unpredictable and dangerous
if cornered or wounded. They have even been known to ambush their
attackers – be they lions or men.

However, these huge, horned cow-like creatures are peaceful when
left alone and are also very sociable within their herds, and will often
work together to ward off attacks from lions and to protect their
calves. It’s because of this that even the sick and weak members of
the herd tend to survive. The solitary buffaloes, however, are more
vulnerable.