KWS rescues two Lion Cubs perched high in tree

The lion cubs/KWS 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has rescued two lion cubs found perched unusually high in a tree, highlighting a heartwarming display of dedication and care.

According to a KWS statement, the rescue was carried out by a specialised veterinary and capture team, which ensured the operation was carried out with minimal disturbance to the animals.

The cubs, discovered in circumstances that remain unclear, were carefully retrieved and transferred to the KWS Headquarters quarantine unit.

"Recently, our veterinary and capture team, led by Ian Muchina, responded to a curious case of two lion cubs found perched in a tree under unclear circumstances," the agency said.

KWS noted that the cubs are receiving round-the-clock care with limited human contact to ensure they retain the instincts necessary for survival in the wild.

Early assessments showed that both cubs were largely unharmed, with no major physical injuries detected.

In lighter remarks, KWS noted that one of the cubs let out a defiant little roar during the rescue, leaving the team unsure whether it was a heartfelt ‘thank you’ or a firm ‘put me down immediately.

According to KWS, the rescue underscores that conservation is about protecting wildlife responsibly and stepping back once animals are ready to thrive independently.

"Either way, it was a reminder that conservation isn’t about applause. It’s about protecting without possessing — and stepping back once nature is ready to stand on its own again," the statement said.

The agency emphasised that interventions are only undertaken when necessary, ensuring animals maintain the instincts vital for life in the wild.

For Valentine’s Day, KWS highlighted that the cubs’ story reminds us that love can be expressed through care, responsibility, and the protection of nature.

The rescue comes a week after a giraffe in Machakos County was rescued from a potentially fatal snare, highlighting the critical role of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) teams in protecting wildlife.

The incident occurred at Swara Lodge, where officers on the ground spotted the animal with a wire snare loosely constricting its neck and trailing dangerously toward its hind limb.

KWS said the timely alert enabled its veterinary and capture team, led by Ian Muchina, to respond quickly and safely remove the snare.

“Not every rescue or emergency wildlife response is painful or dramatic; some are quiet, urgent moments where timing makes all the difference, just as love,” KWS tweeted, emphasising the importance of vigilance and prompt action in conservation.

The agency described the snare as a “silent killer” — indiscriminate, cruel, and capable of inflicting prolonged suffering on both targeted and iconic species.

KWS noted that such threats illustrate why boots on the ground, vigilant patrols, and rapid coordination remain essential for effective wildlife protection.