Kuki Gallmann Shot and Wounded

Bonn, 24 April 2017 – Staff at the Secretariats of CMS and AEWA were deeply shocked to learn of the attack at the weekend on Kuki Gallmann, who was shot and severely wounded by armed intruders on her estate Ol ari Nyiro in Laikipia, Kenya.

Ms Gallmann, a noted conservationist and author, whose autobiographical work “I Dreamed of Africa” was made into a film in 2000 starring Kim Basinger, was the first person to be appointed a “CMS Ambassador”.  “Wings”, the first ever event held under the auspices of World Migratory Bird Day was hosted by Kuki at her estate in 2006 and brought together dancers, musicians and conservationists in a celebration of avian wildlife.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the attack on Kuki Gallmann, who has been a stalwart supporter of conservation for many years and a great friend to CMS and AEWA.  No one who attended “Wings” back in 2006 will ever forget the experience and the positive messages about the phenomenon of bird migration.  Our thoughts are with her and we of course wish her a speedy recovery.

Bert Lenten, Deputy Executive Secretary of CMS/former Executive Secretary of AEWA

The attack on Ms Gallmann’s person comes only weeks after a safari lodge on her estate was set on fire and destroyed, just one of a series of violent incidents that have occurred recently in drought-stricken rural Kenya.

Last updated on 24 April 2017