If people are thirsty, they can just go into the kitchen for a drink. When animals can't satisfy their thirst, though, things can get a lot more complicated. Nobody knows this better than Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua. By day, Mwalua works as a pea farmer on his farm in Kenya. Four nights a week, though, he becomes a water delivery man—for animals.
When the Tsavo West National Park dried up after months of no rain, buffalo, zebras, elephants, and antelope▼ were in danger of dying of thirst. So, the 41-year-old decided to rent and fill up a 3,000-gallon▼ water truck in order to save these animals. Each time, he drives a few hours to the park, where the animals have now come to expect him.
All of this is done at Mwalua's own expense and risk. At times, as many as 500 buffalo have surrounded him. Luckily, he hasn't been hurt yet. Also to help with the cost, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money so that Mwalua can one day buy his own truck. The dry season usually lasts until the end of October, so his services are needed now more than ever. 
|
