Houston – Houston Life gave viewers a first look at a powerful new project that highlights the people in Kenya who are working every day to save lions. The special, produced by KPRC 2 in partnership with the Houston Zoo, follows a community-led conservation effort that’s helping restore critical grasslands and rebuild lion prides.
One of the standout groups featured in the documentary is the Mama Simbas, a team of local women who are taking the lead on restoring the habitat lions need to survive. Their work is reshaping the landscape and proving how essential women are in conservation efforts across Samburu.
The special also follows KPRC 2 anchor Keith Garvin and the Houston Zoo’s director of wildlife conservation, Taylor Rhoades, who traveled to Kenya in June to document how this partnership with Ewaso Lions began and why it matters. Garvin said the experience was one of the most meaningful of his career, not only because of the wildlife but because of the people who make the work possible.
Rhoades explained that conservation starts with communities, and Ewaso Lions proves that. The organization is entirely community-driven, with local families, elders, and young people working together to protect wildlife. Programs like Lion Kids Camp help teach children about the animals they live alongside, creating the next generation of conservation leaders.
The team saw firsthand how these efforts are paying off. Kenya has roughly 20,000 lions left in the wild, and thanks to the work of Ewaso Lions, several prides that once split due to lack of resources have reunited and begun to grow again.
Both Garvin and Rhoades said being on the ground made the mission feel even more urgent. While the Houston Zoo communicates with its global partners year-round, seeing the progress in person brought the impact into focus.
“Saving Lions: The Pride of Kenya” airs Friday at 10 on KPRC 2, offering a deeper look at the people, partnerships, and hope driving this conservation success story.