Darrell and Lauren Boyle of California first visited Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 2012. Darrell had spent a decade involved with conservation efforts in his home state and was impressed with Lewa’s model of not only protecting wildlife but involving the community in their work. Not long after that visit, the Boyles began to provide annual philanthropic support to Lewa and ultimately decided to include Lewa as a beneficiary in their estate plans. They visited Lewa again in 2024 with their children and grandchildren, hoping to inspire future generations to support Lewa’s conservation efforts.
What has motivated you to support Lewa annually for more than a decade?
Everyone who cares for a cause and can contribute wants their support to be efficient and effective. Lewa’s success is a remarkable testament to what can be done. After talking with our guides on Lewa in 2012, I wondered about the conflict between native pastoralists and wildlife. This year, we felt a change of atmosphere when talking to native Kenyans about wildlife. When I asked about Lewa’s leadership throughout Kenya, they all nodded their heads. It’s working.
Leaving a legacy gift is such a meaningful way to support an organization. What inspired you to include Lewa in your estate plans?
I thought Lewa’s strategy was spot-on when we visited in 2012 and over the years, we watched it work. Lewa has created a model I have seen influencing some very important work in Kenya and undoubtedly beyond. It has grown into a leading worldwide conservation force to protect animals, help people in the community better themselves and encourage people to support conservation goals. By leaving a legacy gift, we can help ensure Lewa’s long-term sustainability.
What did it mean to bring your grandchildren to visit Lewa?
We adopted a rhino in our grandsons’ names when they were quite young and we wanted to bring them (and their parents) to Lewa so they could gain this experience at 10 and 12 years old, and we wanted to see it afresh through their eyes. In addition to wildlife viewing, we wanted them to visit a school and to think about what they could do to support the children. Of course, they also got to visit the tracker dogs, so I wonder what they will remember most. I’ll bet all of it!
