Wolf River Ranch

LeMarti Loyenpan, Rick & Boni Kandari

Two Guys From Kenya

Back in August of 2009, we were put in contact with the National Geographic from Australia to do a documemtary on two guys from Kenya, Africa. After several e-mails back and forth with the coordinator, Julia Holman, (who found us off the MGR Registry), everything was put together and the date was set for October 12, 2009.

We had the honor to meet LeMarti Loyenpan a member of the Samburu tribe and Boni Kandari a Maasai warrior. Both tribes are nomadic, moving about to find forage for their cattle and goats. The amount of livestock they own determines their wealth. Their main diet consist of beef, goat, blood and milk.

Normally the camera crew goes to their country and films the warriors in their own culture, this time National Geographic decided to do just the opposite, bring them to the United States.

LeMarti and Boni had the opportunity to do and see many things during their stay in Texas. They stayed in Old Fort Worth, so of course they went to Billy Bob's and learned to line dance and two step. Also while here they rode their first horse and learned to rope a calf.

LeMarti and Boni were told they were coming to our place to see some goats with the possibility of purchasing a few to take back with them. They had not been told about the Myotonic breed. The whole reason for bringing them here was to get their reaction to the goat when it "fainted".

Of course, they had the same reaction as most people who have never seen a goat "faint". Is it ok, are they dead, what just happened. LeMarti called them "magic" goats. After they found out all the goats were ok, they really had a good laugh. The documentary has been airing on the National Geographic Channel.

After the filming was over, we served everyone lunch, with myotonic goat being on the menu. They enjoyed everything, especially the corn on the cob, which they never had before. During lunch we were then able to ask them questions about their life and culture. They both spoke very good English, so we were able to find out many interesting things. The men go through a very tough ritual to become a warrior. The women build their huts and care for the family. They also make beautiful jewelery and we were each given a bracelet. I for one will treasure mine, along with the many memories we made that day.

We were truly honored to have them here at Wolf River Ranch and hope they have as many memories of us as we have of them!