By Alex Kiprotich
Since Usain Bolt, the worldâs fastest man, adopted his equivalent in the jungle, a cheetah, the Kenya Wildlife Service ( KWS) has lined up more animals for adoption. The adoption at the Nairobi orphanage and Safari walk is meant to conserve wildlife and diversify KWS revenue base.
In the programme, there are more than 50 animals for adoption. Each of the animals has different traits, which allow people to choose according to their character, personalities and careers. Bolt adopted a three-month-old cheetah.
"This is a statement and not coincidence. Cheetahs are the fastest of animals and currently Bolt is the fastest man," said KWS Corporate Affairs Manager Paul Udoto.
The symbolism
The cheetah can sprint up to 70 miles per hour over short distances. Bolt holds the world record in 100 and 200 metres.
Former 110-metre hurdles Olympic champion Colin Jackson, who accompanied Bolt in his four-day visit, adopted a two-year-old eland.
Udoto said the adoption of the eland by Jackson is symbolic to his career. Though the animal is considered slowest of the antelope family, it has endurance and can jump up to eight foot high.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who launched the programme dubbed Namayiana Wildlife Adoption, adopted a lion cub and named it âAgwamboâ â his nickname. Lion is a symbol of power, courage and nobility.
His daughter Rosemary adopted a lioness, which was named âSafiâ.
KWS Senior Animal Keeper Margaret Aiyabei said the animals for adoption are those that were orphaned, sick or rescued by KWS personnel.
