Paula Kahumbu Among Esteemed Awardees at UK-based Bristol University

Paula Kahumbu, a conservationist and filmmaker from Kenya, is one of the individuals celebrated at the 2024 Bristol University Alumni Awards.

Kahumbu has received the Global Citizenship Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the conservation and protection of wildlife, specifically elephants. At the Tuesday award event, Kahumbu expressed her deep appreciation to the university for acknowledging her efforts, emphasizing her genuine passion for her work and the significance of this recognition.

Professor Evelyn Welch, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, emphasized the rarity of individuals like her who possess the privilege of being acknowledged as global leaders or champions for the vital cause of protecting wildlife. She also stressed that the Awards seek to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by former students of the institution. Professor Welch expressed his pride in presenting the exceptional accomplishments of this year’s award winners, who serve as motivating models for present students.

The rest of the honorees at the ceremony were Sir Gregory Doran, Siyan Ruan, Sherrie Eugene-Hart, Justin Basini, Kimberly Prado, Jonathan Webb, and Jonathan Levin. These individuals made significant contributions in diverse fields such as medicine and finance, and were acknowledged for their remarkable successes. Kahumbu, a respected champion of wildlife preservation, has been honoured with numerous esteemed accolades over the course of her distinguished profession. Her latest recognition further enhances her remarkable record of achievements.

She is renowned for her unwavering courage in denouncing the illegal ivory trade. In 2021, Kahumbu successfully forged a partnership with National Geographic and Disney, resulting in the creation of a captivating educational film series called ‘National Geographic Kids Africa’. Comprising 26 episodes, this series endeavours to enlighten viewers about the diverse array of African wildlife. Continuing her collaboration with these global entities, Kahumbu embarked on a new venture in 2023. Together, they embarked on the production of a four-part series titled ‘Secrets of the Elephants’.

Kahumbu’s involvement in this revolutionary series is a momentous occasion, as she is the inaugural African presenter chosen by Disney and National Geographic for such a venture. For years, Kahumbu has been a vocal supporter of representation and stresses the necessity for global recognition of African expertise. She firmly believes that it is imperative for Africans to be at the forefront of elephant conservation endeavours in Africa. As an expert in elephants, Kahumbu is dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures from the threat of extinction.