What if a child could change how a whole country sees its animals? That’s exactly what happened when a young boy’s magical moment with a lion turned into a powerful book and now, a nationwide campaign to protect Kenya’s wildlife.
On Friday June 20 2025, pupils at Langata Primary School in Nairobi were the first to read The Boy and the Lion, a new children’s book launched with much excitement.
But this isn’t just a storybook it’s the beginning of a big idea.
The book tells the true story of Mike Saito, a Maasai boy who, at just five years old, got lost in the Maasai Mara and had an unforgettable encounter with a lion.
Instead of danger, what followed was a moment of trust between the child and the wild animal.
Today, Mike is a safari guide, and his story has been turned into a beautiful book by award-winning writer Turk Pipkin.
“We’re not just publishing a book. We’re starting conversations in classrooms across Kenya about why our wildlife matters,” said a spokesperson for the Wild Legacy campaign.
The book is the first in the Wild Legacy initiative, which hopes to reach one million Kenyan children and grow a new generation of wildlife protectors.
Why This Book Matters
Kenya is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras and many amazing animals. But human-wildlife conflict, shrinking land, and climate change are putting them at risk.
The Wild Legacy team believes that stories like Mike’s can help children love, understand, and stand up for animals.
“Children who fall in love with nature’s stories will grow up to protect what they love,” the team said.
Unlike many lessons that talk about rules and dangers, The Boy and the Lion talks about courage, kindness, and the special bond between people and nature.
What’s Next?
The book will soon be in libraries and classrooms across Kenya. Children will get to talk about what it means to live near wildlife, how to protect nature, and why every small act of care matters.
Mike’s message to children?
“If I, as a young boy, could connect with a lion, then every child in Kenya can connect with nature in a powerful way.”
From Joseph Silali, Nairobi
