As John Tanui was being laid to rest in Kenya’s Rift Valley on March 25, stories and praise poured in for a man people would have loved to have lived longer.
Tanui served as a security communications officer at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya from 1995 to 2024. He helped transform the operations of the anti-poaching and ranger teams, the conservancy stated in an impact report published in 2017. He also had an impressive knowledge of wildlife and birds and often served as a guide to Lewa’s guests.
Despite decades of fieldwork, Tanui never lost his sense of wonder for wildlife. One evening, he and a visitor watched a group of lions climbing around on a fallen tree. Tanui’s awe at the lions’ agility captured the attention of the visitor, Jes Lefcourt, director of the conservation NGO EarthRanger.
“I’ve never seen him as excited as when watching the lions. That’s what true love and dedication looks like,” Lefcourt said in a statement he shared after Tanui’s death from a blood clot complication.
Tanui met and briefed many visitors, including actors, politicians and icons like David Attenborough, an English broadcaster, author and naturalist.
Commonly referred to as “Tango,” Tanui spent three decades protecting wildlife at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, but his conservation work extended beyond Kenya, as he collaborated with international NGOs including EarthRanger and Tusk. The knowledge he gathered placed him at the intersection of tradition and innovation, as he helped to bring modern tools into ranger operations.
According to Lefcourt, Tanui’s most recent job had him traveling throughout Africa, teaching rangers and park teams.
In a social media post, Tusk offered a personal tribute. “His passion for technology, connectivity and practical innovation was immediately evident. John was a wonderful person whom we at Tusk have known for many years, and we feel fortunate to have seen him in his element: curious, dedicated and quietly brilliant.”
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy echoed that sentiment.
“Through the most challenging times, including periods of heightened poaching, Tango remained steadfast, never giving up, always pushing forward, and instilling hope and resilience in those around him. He was known for his discipline, his strength, and his unwavering dedication to duty.”
But beyond his professional legacy, Lewa said, Tango will be remembered for the person he was: A mentor. A friend. A leader who built family, not just teams.
Banner image:John Tanui, left, when he hosted the EarthRanger team in Kenya in June 2024. Image courtesy of the EarthRanger team.
This story first appeared on Mongabay
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