I flew up from Amboseli yesterday morning. I'm sorry to have to report that the situation in Amboseli is horrific. See a recent report: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article6884656.ece. That was posted 10 days ago. It is worse now. There has been no rain in the Park although it has rained outside to the north and east. We are sure rains will come soon, but not in time to save hundreds of animals from dying between now and when the grass grows. During the week I was there two or three elephants died every day, some from the drought, others from human causes.

The drought is a natural phenomenon and there is nothing we can do about it; even if we wanted to feed the animals it would be impossible to find enough hay to feed them. Sadly and frustratingly, we can only stand by and record all the deaths. Most of the elephant calves born during 2008 and 2009 have died. At least 10 of the older matriarchs have succumbed. Now even young adults are dying.

While nothing can be done about the drought, there are things we are trying to do to stop the spearing and poaching. We are working closely with our own Maasai scouts and with the Amboseli Tsavo Game Scouts Association (ATGSA). No arrests have been made recently, but we can't give up. The most important thing is to keep up the vigilance. For that we need more financial support for scout camps, rations and transport. Any donation you can send would be much appreciated.