She’s devoted her life to protecting Kenya’s elephants.

Now conservation biologist Paula Kahumbu has been named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, an honor given annually by the National Geographic Society to an individual who shines a critical light on important issues facing our planet.

It’s one of four awards presented by the Society this week during its Explorers Festival, held virtually for the first time. Other honors include two Buffett Awards for Leadership in Conservation, and the Hubbard Medal—the Society’s highest distinction. 

“In a strange and fantastic way, it's an endorsement that I'm on the right path,” Kahumbu says of her award, “and that I should keep going.” She is the CEO of