Photography by Mital Patel.
Protecting the last of the wild: How Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy is saving species and uplifting communities
In the heart of Kenya, where acacia trees stretch skyward and the planet’s last two northern white rhinos roam under armed guard, a story of hope, urgency, and purpose is taking shape. At its center is Mital Patel—a Dallas wildlife photographer and real estate entrepreneur whose passion for photography has evolved into a mission: to connect people thousands of miles away to the front lines of conservation, one image at a time.
From lens to legacy—Mital Patel’s photography for wildlife conservation
For Patel, photography is more than just an artistic pursuit; it’s a mission. His camera doesn’t just capture breathtaking images of African wildlife conservation; it builds bridges between people worlds apart. And nowhere is this clearer than in his work with Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy—a 90,000-acre sanctuary that is home to the planet’s last two northern white rhinos.
“I believe every photograph should have a purpose,” Patel says. “When people look into the eyes of these animals, I want them to feel something that compels them to act.”
His last exhibition this year at the Christopher Martin Gallery in Dallas brought that commitment to life. But it wasn’t just about art on walls—it was a call to action. Attendees mingled beneath towering portraits of rhinos and rangers, bid on conservation-themed silent auction items, and heard from Ol Pejeta’s CEO Justin Heath, rhino caretaker Zacharia Mutai, and trustee Charles Graham. Their message was clear: conservation is not only about protecting animals—it’s about uplifting entire communities and ecosystems.
What is Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Founded with a mission to protect endangered wildlife, Ol Pejeta has become a global model for how conservation and community development work together. The Conservancy employs more than 600 people, with over 70% of its staff drawn from neighboring communities.
By investing deeply in education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture, Ol Pejeta helps ensure that conservation benefits not just wildlife but also the people who live alongside it.
“Conservation doesn’t work unless people see and feel its benefits,” says Heath. From scholarships for local students to mobile health clinics, Ol Pejeta fosters lasting partnerships that mitigate human-wildlife conflict and support the region’s long-term sustainability.
How is Mital Patel’s work creating change in Kenya and beyond?
Though the rhinos may be in Kenya, the responsibility to protect them is shared worldwide. Events like Patel’s exhibition bridge that gap, providing tangible ways for everyone to contribute to global conservation.
The impact is already rippling outward. Funds raised from the exhibit are helping Ol Pejeta sustain its anti-poaching units that protect the northern white rhinos, expand educational outreach, and support veterinary care for endangered species. One silent auction item even offered a stay at the Conservancy’s Pelican House and the chance to name a newly born black rhino—a once-in-a-lifetime connection to a place most will only dream of visiting.
For those moved by his mission, Patel has created a way for supporters to take part through a unique initiative that turns art into impact.
The Tembo Collection: Wearable art that sparks change
As a powerful extension of his exhibition at the Christopher Martin Gallery, Patel launched the Tembo Collection, a striking line of wearable art and accessories inspired by his photography, with proceeds directly supporting Ol Pejeta’s on-the-ground conservation efforts.
“The Tembo Collection allows people to wear their support,” Patel explains. “It turns awareness into action.”
Explore the wearable art that gives back—Shop the Tembo Collection in support of wildlife and community.
Conservation with purpose: A cause worth embracing at any age
For audiences over 50, Patel’s work resonates deeply. It serves as a reminder that purpose and passion need not be confined by age or geography. Whether you’ve traveled the globe or simply wish to leave a meaningful legacy, conservation presents a cause worth embracing.
“My hope is that people see these images and realize they have a role to play,” Patel says. “You don’t have to be on the ground in Kenya to protect what’s wild. You just have to care—and take that first step.”
Explore Mital Patel‘s photography or support Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
