Meet The ‘Water Man’ Who Drives For Hours And Deliver Truckload Of Water To Parched Animals

May 04, 2019 by apost team

Earth's climate is currently experiencing some rapid changes that have resulted in erratic patterns of weather throughout the world.

Africa is suffering from unprecedented droughts due to these changes. More specifically, Kenya hasn't seen a consistent amount of rainfall in a long time.

These prolonged periods without sufficient water are destructive to plants, animals, and humans.

The lack of water is making it difficult for farmers to maintain their agricultural productivity. This has resulted in a lower crop yield throughout the entire country. Animals suffer from empty watering holes and dry riverbeds. Fortunately, there is one man who has dedicated a lot of time and resources towards saving these thirsty animals.

According to the Dodo, Patrick Kionzo Mwalua, nicknamed "Keyan's water man", drives hours each day to deliver water to animals who need the precious cargo.

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"There is completely no water, so the animals are depending on humans," Mwalua told The Dodo. "If we don't help them, they will die."

Although Patrick still holds a full-time job as a pea farmer in a small village, he still takes the time to drive out four times each week to the Tsavo West National Park. He finds thirsty animals and provides these poor souls with some much-needed H20. The 41-year-old farmer has a truck capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of water. He unloads every drop of this tank into large bowls at the national park from which animals can drink.

The animals at the Tsavo West National Park have become dependent upon the "water man's" weekly deliveries. Elephants, antelopes, and zebras can be seen awaiting Patrick's arrival when they're thirsty. He has been supplying these wild animals with water with funds from his own pocket. 

When the animals hear the "water man's" truck approaching, they are visibly excited and eager to taste some of the refreshing water. Patrick recalled one particular incident when over 500 buffalos were waiting patiently at a watering hole for the water truck to arrive.

The buffalos smelt the water when Patrick pulled up in his massive truck. All of the animals started to approach the truck and even drank with Patrick standing nearby.

As word of Patrick's kind actions spread, many people had a desire to contribute to the noble cause. Three American women established a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for Patrick's efforts. After receiving hundreds of contributions from around the world, the page now has over $130,000.

All of this money will be put towards the rental of the truck and gas costs.

Did you find Patricks actions inspiring? Let us know in the comments - and make sure to pass this along to your friends and family!