| Meru National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Location | Eastern Province, Kenya |
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| Nearest city | Meru |
| Coordinates | 0°5′37″N 38°12′29″E / 0.09361°N 38.20806°ECoordinates: 0°5′37″N 38°12′29″E / 0.09361°N 38.20806°E |
| Area | 87,044 hectares (870 km²)[1] |
| Established | 1966 |
| Governing body | Kenya Wildlife Service |
Meru National Park is a Kenyan forest reserve located east of Meru, 350 km from Nairobi. Covering an area of 87,044 hectares,[1] it is one the lesser known parks of Kenya. It has abundant rainfall, 635-762 mm in the west of the park and 305-356 mm in the east.[2] The rainfall results in tall grass and lush swamps, which make it difficult to spot game. It has a wide range of wild beasts like elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhinoceros and some rare antelopes.
Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best selling book and award winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy's ashes were scattered on her gravesite. Joy Adamson released Pippa the cheetah in this park.
Between the years 2000-2005, The Kenya Wildlife Service, helped by The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), restored Meru National Park from near ruin to one of the most promising tourist destinations in Eastern Africa, solving the parks poaching problem. IFAW donated $1.25 million to this major restoration project, and with this money aided in improving the basic infrastructure and provided essential equipment and vehicles for law enforcement activities.
The Mulika Lodge Airport serves Meru National Park. Tourist attractions include the home of George and Joy Adamson, Adamson's Falls, views of Mount Kenya, and the Tana River.[2]
References
- ^ a b Meru National Park in the World Database on Protected Areas
- ^ a b Meru National Park, Kenya Wildlife Service.
External links
- Meru National Park Kenya Wildlife Service (official site)
- Map of Meru National Park
- Elsa the Lioness of Born Free fame grave in Meru Park. Many visitors to the park still visit to pay their respects.
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