PHOTOS: Warriors saving lions in Kenya, PLUS an elephant encounter 🐘| Day 4

Sunday in Kenya began along the river as Samburu warriors looked to the sandy shore for prints indicating a lion had passed through.

The warriors work with the Ewaso Lions conservation group to spot signs of lions and then notify local villagers if a lion is in the area. This effort allows the village to protect their livestock and reduces the risk of people hurting the lions over lost goats and camels.

On the beach, we saw hyena prints and signs of a leopard... But no indicators of lions.

That meant it was safe for the herders to bring in livestock down to the river to graze and get water.

On our way back to our lodge after spending time with the Warrior Watch program, we encountered a large herd of female elephants and their offspring.

While each day here has been packed with activities involving the Houston Zoo’s conservation partner Ewaso Lions, we stopped and spent time simply watching and appreciating the elephants, which are one of Africa’s most iconic animals.

See pictures of our encounter with elephants below!

SAVING WILDLIFE: KENYA CHRONICLES

• Saving Lions: Journey from Houston to Kenya | Day 1
• Our first full wild day in Kenya with the Houston Zoo | Day 2
• ‘Mama Simbas’ are regrowing grasslands and saving lions in Kenya | Day 3

Watch the entire Saving Wildlife series produced in partnership with the Houston Zoo