Karin Cockram

A recent meeting of the Fredonia Shakespeare Club was hosted at the Edwards Waterhouse Inn by Gail Crowe. President Karin Cockram welcomed Club members to the meeting.

After a brief business meeting concluded, a paper by Cockram on Great Lakes Great Rift Valley was presented. A summary of the paper follows.

The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is made up of three inter-linked, relatively shallow lakes (Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita). This Lake System is home to 13 globally threatened bird species such as Rüppell’s Griffon, the African Fish Eagle, and the migratory Lesser Flamingo, and has some of the highest bird diversities on earth. It is the single most important foraging site in the world for the lesser flamingo and a major nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. The area features equally diverse mammal populations, including black rhinos, white rhinos, Nubian (aka Rothschild’s) giraffes, greater kudus, lions, and cheetahs.

Each of the three lakes (Nakuru, Elementaita, and Bogoria) is a protected area. Each contains the main ecosystems and features that support the UNESCO label of “Outstanding Universal Value.” While these lakes are all part of an inter-connected system, they each have their own individual flair and beauty.

Lake Nakuru is surrounded by woody and bushy grassland. Nakuru National Park is a unique and beautiful game-viewing destination and a successful sanctuary for both the endangered black rhinos. Archeologically, a Neolithic and Iron Age site was uncovered in 1926, and Mary Leakey began her work there in 1937.

Lake Elementeita provides a favorable environment for diatoms and blue-green algae, the base of a food chain which supports a rich bird life. On average a population of more than 610,000 birds of more than 450 species have been counted there. Archeological discoveries near Lake Elementaita include an early stone age site at Kariandusi, discovered in 1928.

Lake Bogoria has over 200 hot springs and 17 geysers, some of which are still active. Tugen Hills, on nearby Lake Baringo, is known archeologically because of its 6 million year old hominid fossils.

These three lakes, ensconced in such diverse, beautiful geological majesty, teeming with massive congregations of flamingos and other birds as well as an incredible array of large mammals, create an unmatched experience of nature. It is well summed up by this quote from Tony Fitzjohn – “There is no place like Africa. There is something about the spirit of the people, the beauty of the land, and the diversity of the wildlife that touches the soul.”

Following the paper all members were treated to a nice selection of treats provided by the Edwards Waterhouse Inn.