The George Adamson & Tony Fitzjohn Wildlife Trust

The George Adamson & Tony Fitzjohn Wildlife Trust (charity number 279598) is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation, particularly focusing on African wildlife and endangered species. The Trust is named in honour of George Adamson and Tony Fitzjohn, two renowned conservationists known for their work with big cats and wildlife rehabilitation.

Mission and Objectives

The Trust’s primary objective is to advance public education in the science of zoology through the study and conservation of wildlife in its natural habitat, with a special emphasis on endangered species and habitat restoration. The organisation collaborates with local wildlife authorities to restore degraded wildlife areas, enhance conservation efforts, and reverse the decline of endangered animals, particularly in East Africa[2][1].

Historical Background

George Adamson was a wildlife warden and conservationist known for his pioneering work in raising and rehabilitating lions to survive in the wild. After retiring as a warden in 1961, Adamson moved to Kora National Reserve in northern Kenya in 1970, where he focused on the rehabilitation of captive or orphaned big cats, continuing this work until his death. His legacy includes the famous story of Elsa the lioness, which was popularised in the film "Born Free"[5].

Tony Fitzjohn was a distinguished conservationist who worked closely with George Adamson for nearly two decades at Kora National Reserve. Fitzjohn played a crucial role in returning lions to the wild, and his conservation efforts extended beyond lions to other endangered species. His achievements include establishing the first successful rhinoceros sanctuary in Tanzania, developing anti-poaching units, pioneering captive breeding programs for African hunting dogs, and veterinary research on endangered species. For his services to wildlife conservation, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006[5].

Operations and Team

The Trust benefits from the combined expertise of trustees and team members based in the UK, USA, and Kenya. Local field staff work on the ground delivering conservation programmes within the Kora National Park and surrounding areas. One notable team member is Lucy, who has over 35 years of experience with the Trust’s conservation projects, including work on the Mkomazi Project in Tanzania and Kora in Kenya. Another key figure, Stephen, has extensive experience in community outreach, infrastructure development, and collaborative work with the Kenya Wildlife Service and government agencies[4].

Conservation Work

The Trust’s efforts include:

• Rehabilitation and reintroduction of big cats, especially lions, to their natural habitats.
• Restoration of wildlife habitats and degraded areas.
• Community outreach and education programmes aimed at fostering conservation awareness.
• Collaboration with local authorities and strategic partners to support sustainable wildlife management.
• Research and veterinary initiatives targeting the health and survival of endangered species[1][4].

The George Adamson & Tony Fitzjohn Wildlife Trust continues to uphold the legacy of its founders by actively promoting the conservation of African wildlife through practical fieldwork, education, and partnership with local communities and authorities.

Note: The article is based on available information regarding the Trust’s mission, history, key figures, and activities without including contact details.

[1] https://koraproject.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/279598/charity-overview [3] http://www.georgeadamson.org/contact-us/ [4] https://koraproject.org/who-we-are/our-team-and-trustees/ [5] https://legendsandlegaciesofafrica.org/georgeadamson.php