This Man Is Driving Hours Every Day To Deliver Water To Wildlife During The Drought

February 23, 2017

An African pea farmer has been ensuring wild animals in drought-stricken Kenya do not go thirsty.

Patrick Kilonzo Mwala has detailed his visits to replenish a local waterhole that supports elephants, zebras, lions and buffalos in a series of posts on Facebook.

farmer brings wild animals water drought
Credit: Facebook / Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua

Funded by donations, Patrick delivers about 3,000 gallons of water per visit.

He makes the 28-mile trip about four times a week and at a cost of $326 per visit.

farmer brings wild animals water drought
Credit: Facebook / Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua

Patrick said that many animals have come to rely on him, with many waiting at the waterhole for his daily delivery and some even mobbing his tank truck due to the "smell of water."

In a post earlier this month, he described a number of "big giants…coming towards our truck with no fear, for we have precious commodity they missed."

farmer brings wild animals water drought
Credit: Facebook / Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua

"Hey friends! Today I thought I could count the number of buffaloes eating around the waterhole and drinking water but my wish was not possible because it was a big herd," Patrick wrote on Tuesday. "The elephants today were at bay and other animals as well. Thank you everyone for your warm comments and sharing as we are getting more donations everyday. More sustainable water projects on the way!"

farmer brings wild animals water drought
Credit: Facebook / Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua