My Life Was Forever Changed in the Maasai Mara 

A First-Hand Account From a Duttenhaver Conservation Field Study Program Participant

By Jenna Thomas, L.A. Zoo DCFP 2026

“Elephants! Elephants!” Half of our group had just gotten back from collecting their camera traps and came running down the path towards camp, yelling for Team Twiga (my team, named for the Swahili word for “giraffe”) to come join them. “We found elephants!” Elephants hadn’t been spotted in Enarau Conservancy in over 30 years. Instantly, everyone in camp dropped what they were doing, ran for the jeeps, and piled in. All of us were in disbelief that we might actually see one of our conservancy’s target species. Only a couple of minutes later, we turned the corner and saw two bull elephants pulling branches off the trees, backs still wet from the recent rain shower. Even in our group’s silence, the excitement was palpable, and emotions were everywhere; it was impossible not to smile.

From the moment we stepped onto the bush plane, our whole group was engaged in the experience. Nothing can compare to the feeling of seeing wild zebras, baboons, giraffes, or elephants for the first time. I was in awe as we watched zebras frolicking through the grasslands and marveled at young baboons leaping between branches in the tree canopy. By the time we reached Enarau Conservancy, where we would be working over the next 11 days, I already had learned so much about the land around me and was ready for more.

Though our transects, invasive species removal, and other fieldwork were tiring and physically demanding, every sore muscle and thorn caught on our clothes was worth it, especially when we were rewarded by seeing elephants back in Enarau and getting to walk beside two wild white rhinos. The world felt whole as we admired a large herd of giraffes thriving among us. I was in awe as I watched a giraffe stretch its long neck to reach high branches in the tree canopy and bend down to drink water. As I looked into the eyes of a female, I immediately fell in love.

When I left home for this expedition, I anticipated seeing wildlife and learning field study techniques, but little did I know I would return with lifelong friendships with my peers and the research team at Enarau Conservancy. Our group of fellows and mentors quickly became a second family as we shared excitement and passion for the work we participated in. Every day we grew closer to our research crew at Enarau. Learning about their lives, learning from their experience, playing card games together during our free time, and sitting around the campfire in the evenings sharing songs and dances with each other were some of our favorite moments together. This expedition wasn’t just about animals and conservation; it was also about forming connections with new people and bonding regardless of life experience. 

Learning didn’t only happen in the field as we removed invasive species like jimsonweed, studied the growth of plants in experimental plots, or moved a mobile boma, but also as we learned from the expertise of one of our lead researchers, Dr. Stewart Thompson. Evenings were enriched by presentations on rhino conservation, research on mountain gorillas in Uganda, and studies of tigers in India. Every presentation and story gave me hope and inspired me to pursue my goal of working in conservation. 

Every moment of the Duttenhaver Conservation Field Study: Restoring Habitats in Kenya’s Greater Maasai Mara was absolutely magical and a dream come true. Each day expanded my knowledge and experience in the conservation world. From bird and mammal transects to land degradation surveys, I have never felt so engaged and filled with purpose as during our time working in the Maasai Mara. I knew it would be a fulfilling and exciting experience, but I didn’t realize that I would be leaving the Maasai Mara with a new perspective on life and even more in love with the earth than I already was. As a child, I had always been fascinated by animals, their adaptations, and the environments they live in. As I got older, I knew that I wanted to work in conservation and do field research. This fellowship offered the perfect opportunity to get a taste of what I want the rest of my life to be like.

I want to extend the biggest thank you to Linda Duttenhaver for giving me this life-changing experience. Going on this expedition has been the best experience, and I hope other young people will embrace opportunities to expand their passions and interests.