Truphena Muthoni is a 22-year-old environmental activist from Kenya. In early 2025 she set a Guinness World Record for hugging a tree for 48 hours straight. Later that year, in December 2025, Truphena beat her own record by hugging a tree for an amazing 72 hours. That’s three whole days!
In her latest feat, Truphena wrapped her arms wrapped around a royal palm tree near the local government office in Nyeri county, at the foot of Mount Kenya. People gathered to cheer her on and to make sure she stayed safe and healthy.
But why the marathon tree hug? Truphena was protesting the cutting down of trees in native forests and the damage deforestation causes to rivers. She believes that healthy forests and clean rivers are good for both nature and human well-being.
“The reason for hugging trees is that it is therapeutic,” she said in a video before she began the challenge. She added that damage to the environment can also affect people’s mental health.
The 72-hour hug is not yet in the record books, but Truphena and her many fans are celebrating her achievement and the message it conveys about caring for the environment.
Educator tip: Discuss how one person can make a difference. What problem is this environmental activist bringing attention to? If students could protest or raise awareness about one environmental issue in their community, what would it be?
This story was adapted for Mongabay Kids. It is based on an article by Lynet Otieno, published on Mongabay News.
