From the wild to the screen: A journey of love for conservation

At 86, Simon Trevor’s vitality and passion for conservation remain as vibrant as his early years in the field.

And early last month, when he greeted the audience at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters with the words, “Homo Deus, Homo Sapiens, and all the wild creatures of our country—Jambo sana,” it wasn’t just an introduction—it was an invitation to pause and reflect on the delicate interplay between humanity and the wild.

The room responded with laughter and curiosity, drawn into the magnetic charisma of a man who has spent over six decades championing Kenya’s wilderness.

The launch of ‘Tsavo: A Moment in Time’ documentary marked a culmination of a remarkable career dedicated to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage.

Yet, Trevor stood before the audience not to bask in acclaim, but to galvanise action—to remind us that conservation is as much about storytelling as it is about saving wildlife.

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  Wildlife to Spotlight: Simon Trevor's journey of conservation and chronicles

Trevor’s relationship with the wild began in 1959 when, fresh out of school and armed with boundless enthusiasm, he joined Kenya’s National Parks as a junior assistant warden.

“I thought the job would mostly involve walking in the bush,” Trevor once joked, “but soon realised it involved lots of paperwork—and wrestling with recalcitrant typewriters.”

His wit, often understated, became a hallmark of his storytelling. While at Tsavo National Park, Trevor loved Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife. 

“We didn’t have the luxury of modern equipment back then,” Trevor recalled. “If a lion decided to nap on your Land Rover’s hood, your day’s plans were likely postponed.”

His stories of those early days, tinged with humor and nostalgia, paint a vivid picture of a young man discovering his purpose amidst the untamed beauty of Tsavo.

While Trevor’s passion for conservation grew steadily, he found another love—storytelling through film. His transition into commercial filmmaking in the 1970s allowed him to reach global audiences, showcasing the beauty and challenges of East Africa’s wilderness.

Films like ‘The Elephants of Tsavo’ captured the spirit of the region, earning acclaim not only for their stunning visuals but for the narratives that brought conservation issues to life.

In 1998, Trevor took this calling to a new level with the founding of the African Environmental Film Foundation (AEFF). Recognising the power of education, AEFF aimed to create films that addressed pressing environmental concerns while ensuring accessibility for local communities.

Impactful works

Through narratives in Kiswahili and other Kenyan languages, Trevor brought conservation into the homes of millions, transforming complex issues into relatable stories.

Some of AEFF’s most impactful works include ‘Ivory Wars’, which chronicles the devastating consequences of elephant poaching, and ‘Born to Be Wild’, a celebration of Kenya’s biodiversity.

The seeds of ‘Tsavo: A Moment in Time’ were planted in 2014 when Trevor realised the magnitude of his film archives, sound effects, and still photographs accumulated over a lifetime.

“It felt like opening a treasure chest,” Trevor said, “except this chest had a thousand compartments and I didn’t know where to start.”

With 36 episodes spanning 40,000 years of history, this documentary is nothing short of a love letter to the wild—a story told with equal parts reverence and urgency.

The series blends historical records, personal diaries, and autobiographies with jaw-dropping visuals, weaving a narrative that is as emotionally impactful as it is informative.

The production process was grueling. Trevor recounted sifting through countless archival libraries, editing sequences late into the night, and grappling with the technical complexities of merging decades-old footage with modern storytelling techniques.

Yet, his determination never wavered. “Conservation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s the sum of many voices, efforts, and sacrifices,” Trevor remarked.

The result is regarded as the most comprehensive series on Kenyan conservation ever assembled.

At the heart of ‘Tsavo: A Moment in Time’ is the poignant tale of the ivory trade—a grim chapter that saw millions of elephants slaughtered for their tusks.

Trevor’s meticulous research uncovered diaries from figures like Ernst Moore and Tippoo Tibb, whose firsthand accounts reveal the scale of exploitation during the height of the trade.

Yet Trevor does not allow the series to dwell solely on tragedy. He celebrates the resilience of Tsavo National Park, which, despite decades of poaching and environmental challenges, remains a wildlife sanctuary.

“The fact that Tsavo still stands today is remarkable—and to Kenya’s credit,” Trevor said with evident pride.

One standout episode, ‘A Light at the End of the Tunnel’, focuses on Kenya’s long-term conservation successes, captivating viewers with a glimpse of hope and underscoring the importance of continued efforts.

Over his illustrious career, Trevor has produced works that have shaped public perception and policy. From lobbying against ivory trading at CITES meetings to promoting wildlife education in rural Kenyan communities, his contributions extend far beyond the screen.

“If you’re going to change the world, you start with understanding it,” Trevor often says—a mantra reflected in his films.

Trevor’s achievements have been recognised globally, yet he remains deeply connected to Kenya. “This is my home,” he says, “and it’s my responsibility to protect it.”

With plans for global distribution, Trevor hopes the series, it is hoped, will inspire action in Kenya and globally.

As the curtains fell, Trevor’s final words echoed through the auditorium, they carried the weight of generations: “This story is ours. Let’s honour it, protect it, and ensure it continues to be told.”