Foundation Statement

      In recent years, whether at home in North America or through travels in other parts of the world, we've increasingly come in contact with people whose efforts to protect Wildlife, the Natural Environment and Human Rights* are an inspiration to us. Providing financial assistance for their various projects is the primary mission of the Maue Kay Foundation. However we also hope to enlist additional support for their exemplary work, through the information, images and video clips, featured on our various project pages. Each page contains a link to the organization in question, in case you wish to obtain additional information, including how to make direct contributions,
Please point your mouse at the titled images on the left to view the listed project pages.

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Notes from the director:

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Despite the best intentions to post timely updates, over a year has now passed since our first “Notes from the Director” post. The past 13 months have zoomed by at an alarming rate but at least some of that time was filled with worthwhile pursuits. As mentioned previously, in August 2008 we sailed from Alaska to Vancouver via the Inside Passage. Our small ship was able to get into many remote waterways and using Zodiac boats we were able to observe the amazing marine wildlife at sea level, although from a respectful distance. At times we were surrounded by Humpback Whales and also Sea Lions, which seemed to be especially curious about us. We also saw Sea Otters, a brown bear sow and her two cubs, many bald eagles and much more. With the Zodiacs we were able to navigate among the small ice bergs which had broken off from the glaciers and experience all the foregoing in almost total solitude, truly a most memorable journey. Much of Alaska’s as well as British Columbia’s wilderness is still relatively unspoiled, only constant vigilance will keep it so…….no surprise there, what else is new? In January 2009 we returned to Tanzania and Kenya, this time as part of a “Friends Of Conservation” safari. MKF supports FOC and its president Reute Butler had invited us to see some of FOC’s community projects. We once again visited the Gijedabung School near Tarangire National Park in Tanzania and found the changes there astounding. The school now has over 600 students and several new buildings etc. Reute had brought many gifts and supplies, which were much appreciated by students and teachers alike. We also visited the Elephant Project in Tarangire Park – another effort FOC is involved in – and learned about the ongoing studies of the regional Elephant population, which I’m glad to say, was doing well at the time of our visit. After seeing much wildlife in the park and also a FOC Bee Keeping project in a nearby village, we flew to the Masai Mara region in Kenya. In addition to visiting FOC sponsored schools and an AIDS orphanage, we drove to a Masai village featuring a FOC Bio Gas system. Mixing cow dung – the Masai cattle provide plenty of that – and water, bio gas is created, which is piped to small stoves in some of the Masai huts. Without the gas, women have to go in search of wood and carry it great distances. This is not only exhausting but also causes deforestation. FOC, through its school based Conservation Clubs has managed to plant over 250,000 trees to help combat deforestation. Everywhere we went in Tanzania and Kenya, Reute and her FOC supporting friends (ourselves included) were greeted and treated with much appreciation and affection. It was quite energizing to see and meet all the children, students, teachers and FOC representatives, including the community scouts. Having seen the important work FOC is involved in; we (MKF) have made Friends Of Conservation one of our major partners, particularly since as of this writing the severe drought in Kenya is taking an enormous toll on man and beast. After saying farewell to our traveling companions we flew from Nairobi to Cairo and spent about 10 days visiting the Pyramids and cruising the Nile so see some of Egypt’s great archeological and historic tombs and treasures. This was our first trip to North Africa and more of a vacation than a fact finding trip. Perhaps what struck us most was how friendly and welcoming the people were, there was no animosity that we could detect. President Obama’s inauguration took place while we were in Egypt and people went out of their way to tell us how pleased they were that now the US might pursue a more engaging foreign policy. Altogether we had a splendid time in the land of the Pharaohs. Well that’s more than enough for now. Next post will cover our April ’09 journey to Kasiranga and Kenha Parks in India as well as our trip from there to Bhutan, both fascinating places. Until then – stay wild: JK & JMK

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Summer 2008: Update # 1 In late June we were in Uganda, primarily to go Mountain Gorilla Tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forrest. To see our gentle, not so distant cousins calmly accepting our uninvited presence was truly an awe inspiring experience. The family group we visited consisted of two silverbacks (mature, dominant males) several females and youngsters of various ages. While most where contentedly munching on the lush vegetation, a couple of toddlers were climbing trees, swinging from branches, plucking fruit and having a fine time playing with one another. Only a few hundred of these imposing, marvelous giants still remain in the mountains shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the war torn Democratic Republic of the Congo. However we found that the locals of the Bwindi area are actively supporting and directly benefiting from the protection of the Gorillas. We can only hope that this will continue to be a strong incentive for the preservation of one of their greatest treasures. Before our departure we also visited the Bwindi Community Hospital and learned about the much needed medical and compassionate work that’s being done there. As is the case in much of Sub Saharan Africa, AIDS, Malaria and malnutrition are some of the major problems that all too many people are burdened with. After about 10 days in Uganda we returned once again to the LEWA Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya. LEWA is supported by our foundation not only because of LEWA’s outstanding record in fostering the recovery of the black Rhino and Wildlife conservation in general, but also because of LEWA’s various community assistance programs. We documented some of the latter - Hospital, Orphanage, School and water projects – during our visit and plan to update our “LEWA Video Clip” to show some of these important projects. It was also a sheer joy to once again see LEWA’s abundant wildlife. Lions, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Elephants and more, all were thriving and in good condition. We’d like to thank Will Craig, Mira, Karmushu and Silas our tireless Masai driver and guide, for making our week at LEWA so enjoyable and memorable. A few weeks after our return from Africa we were off to Alaska to observe and learn about Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Glaciers and more, but that report will have to wait for our next “Notes” update. Meanwhile we’d like to thank, and send our best regards to all our supporters. Stay wild. JK & JMK