Lupita Nyong’o, who took the Oscars by storm in 2014 has taken time out to help Africa’s wildlife this past June. Having grown up in Kenya after moving from Mexico, she explained to the WildAid Organization that she has always felt a personal connection to animals. The actress joined WildAid Organization as their Global Elephant Ambassador during her June visit.
Though poaching was outlawed in Kenya over 25 years ago, elephants are still heavily poached in Kenya to this day, according to WWF Global. In an interview with BBC, Nyong’o explained, “Elephants are one of our big five. We have their image on our money. I know this is something that is great source of pride for Kenya. This is our global heritage, but it’s in our care.”
To begin her journey to help save these endangered animals she began a media campaign while visiting the Amboseli National Park known for its gorgeous background of Mount Kilimanjaro in June. In addition, she visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust during her stay which houses orphaned elephants in order to further her relationship with these amazing animals.
While some local political figures have reportedly been photographed with elephant tusks as decorative pieces in their homes, Lupita feels this is a fight worth taking on. She held a charity dinner during her June stay at the Kempinski Hotel, priced at $100 a plate to raise money for awareness of all the issues taking place regarding the elephants.