by Mary Wykstra

Just prior to my departure for the US we sold the small Suzuki which has been with our project since 2004. Ovder 100,000km of service took its toll on the poor car and we often found that the small 3 door vehicle was insufficient for our needs. Now that we have the camp in Salama and are starting work in Samburu it means that we really need two good field cars.

As soon as I returned to Kenya I began the car hunt… After nearly two weeks and aboutr 20 vehicles I found the one that would work. The funds for the new vehicle were received from private donations – these donations are such a strong support for our work here.

The new Rave has nearly double the space of the old Suzuki and should serve us well in places where Cosmas and I need to travel separately. The Toyota Hylux that is our main field vehicle is also on its last years and has served us almost 300,000km. We are currently seeking the funds for a field vehicle for Chifuyu Beckett to conduct her PHD work, then we will begin the process of replacing the Hylux.

While in the US, the Cleveland Metroparks committed to the funds needed to replace our field motorcycle. We decided to wait until after the new year when many of the delivery service vehicles are being replaced in hopes of getting a great deal on a slightly used motorcycle. Our field staff are very anxious to get the motorcycle so they can accomplish more. This motorcycles will be shared with the scouts leaving Lumumba with some days of basic foot and public transport.

To help out with our transportation needs we need donations - if you would like to assist us, you can specify your donations on our facebook site or directly through Project Survival. Insurance, Maintenance and fuel for our vehicles are part of the operating costs that are often diffucult to get through grants.

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya needs your help. To make a donation, please visit Project Survival – www.cathaven.com/shop/