Photo credit: KWS
Kenyan veterinary doctor Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo has earned international recognition after being named Wildlife Vet of the Year at the 2026 International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Animal Action Awards in London.
Dr. Mukami, a Senior Veterinary Officer at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), received the prestigious award on October 15, 2026, during a ceremony held at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London. The award celebrates her outstanding contribution to wildlife rescue, veterinary medicine and conservation.
Her recognition highlights the critical role played by wildlife veterinarians in protecting endangered species and responding to the growing challenges facing wildlife across Kenya.
According to KWS, Dr. Mukami’s work involves treating animals suffering from severe injuries and life-threatening conditions, often in remote locations and under difficult circumstances. Her patients include elephants with fractured limbs, rhinos with infected wounds, lions injured by snares and pangolins rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking.
Working under challenging conditions, she provides specialised medical care to animals whose survival often depends on timely and precise intervention. Her work requires extensive veterinary expertise, quick decision-making and the ability to manage complicated cases with limited resources.
One of her notable contributions is the development of specialised treatment protocols for rescued pangolins, among the world’s most trafficked mammals. These protocols have strengthened efforts to improve the survival and recovery of pangolins rescued from illegal trade.
She has also treated injured rhinos, stabilised lions following territorial fights and managed serious infections in elephants, demonstrating the breadth of expertise required in wildlife veterinary medicine.
Beyond treating individual animals, Dr. Mukami’s contribution to developing treatment procedures and sharing professional knowledge is helping strengthen wildlife healthcare practices. Such expertise is essential to improving the management of complex veterinary cases and supporting long-term conservation efforts.
Her achievement also carries significance for gender representation in wildlife conservation. Dr. Mukami is among the first female wildlife veterinarians to join KWS in more than 16 years, marking an important milestone for women working in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her career provides an example for young women aspiring to pursue veterinary medicine, scientific research and wildlife conservation. By taking on demanding responsibilities in the field, she demonstrates the contribution women can make to protecting Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
The award was presented by Professor Judi Wakhungu, Kenya’s former Cabinet Secretary for Environment and former Ambassador to France, during the London ceremony.
Now in its 26th year, the IFAW Animal Action Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose work has made a significant difference to animal welfare, wildlife rescue and conservation.
Dr. Mukami’s recognition places a spotlight on the dedication of wildlife professionals who work behind the scenes to safeguard animals and preserve biodiversity.
Her achievement is also a source of national pride, underscoring Kenya’s contribution to global wildlife conservation and the importance of investing in the people whose expertise helps protect endangered species.
As wildlife faces mounting threats from illegal trafficking, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, the recognition of professionals such as Dr. Mukami highlights the importance of veterinary care in securing the future of wildlife for generations to come.
