Kenya relocates Nairobi Animal Orphanage to boost wildlife care

Kenya is set to relocate and upgrade the Nairobi Animal Orphanage in a move aimed at improving wildlife welfare standards, easing congestion and strengthening conservation capacity within Nairobi National Park, as authorities seek to modernize one of the country's flagship wildlife rescue facilities.

The orphanage, established in 1964, has for more than six decades served as a critical center for the rescue, rehabilitation and care of injured, orphaned and distressed wildlife, according to Kenya's Wildlife Service.

However, increasing visitor numbers, rising demand for wildlife rescue services and evolving international animal welfare standards have outgrown the existing facility, prompting the planned relocation and expansion.

"The relocation and upgrade of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a carefully planned, lawful, and forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation, animal welfare, conservation education, and visitor experience," the KWS said in a statement.

The authorities said the new facility will feature larger and more natural enclosures designed to meet modern welfare standards, a fully equipped veterinary and treatment unit, a wildlife hospital with surgical capability, as well as quarantine and nursery spaces for rescued animals.

The upgraded site will also include designated animal release areas to support rewilding efforts, improved visitor amenities such as walkways, rest areas and controlled parking, and outdoor learning spaces for conservation education.

Authorities said the old site will be restored and rewilded to reinforce the ecological integrity of the park, while the new complex is expected to create more than 500 direct jobs to Kenyans.