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Hundreds of Kenyan and Chinese nationals came together yesterday to pledge their support for the conservation of wildlife in a fun colour-themed run held in Ngong Forest located just outside the capital, Nairobi.

The event, dubbed ‘Wild Run’, was co-organized by Humane Society International (HSI), China House, Stand Up Shout Out (SUSO) and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW).

Participants of the run had a nice time making a five-kilometer run, during which they had colour powders splashed on them at various stages of the race.

Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service Kitili Mbathi who was also present at the event asked the participants to make more effort to ensure that illegal wildlife trade comes to a stop.

He asked everyone present to shun any ornaments or decorations made from ivory, saying the practice of purchasing such materials encouraged poaching.

This was the first such run organized to campaign for an end to illegal wildlife trade and poaching, but the organizers pledged to make it an annual event.

Before the opening ceremony, participants were encouraged to sign a board, pledging to boycott the ivory trade and indicating support for the African Elephant Coalition (AEC)’s package of CITES proposals when the convention meets next month in South Africa. In this critical event, countries will renew and expand their commitment to regulate the trade