The ex-orphans and their babies embrace our presence as if we were any other elephant — a trust that has been passed down through generations and one that does not extend to all humans. Angela Sheldrick

Restoring and preserving the environment has a positive impact on the people, the wildlife and the land. When this orphaned black rhino was rescued he was so tiny the staff at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary could carry him in their arms. He thrived under the care of his dedicated keepers and is now released back into the wild under the protection of community members.

We can judge the heart of a man by the way he treats animals. - Immanuel Kant

June 21st marked World Giraffe Day, a fitting choice to celebrate the tallest mammal on earth on the longest day of the year. Here’s a story about an encounter with orphaned giraffes I will never forget and the man whose loving kindness helped them return to the wild.

If we are in conflict with nature, then we are in conflict with ourselves. Rohan Donovan

Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.  Frederick Buechner

What might happen if we made space for wonder? If we stopped filling our minds to overflowing. And if we opened our souls to something bigger? Sue Hetherington

“Do you know why hippos open their mouths so wide?” asked Daniel, my Maasai guide. “No, why?” I asked, sensing a creation story in the making.

Like all narratives, the strength of our tenderness reflects the strength and sensitivity of our storytelling. Olga Tokarczuk

The world spends more money on ice cream every year than what would be needed to secure conservation efforts globally. Enric Sala

“It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” Rumi

A great guide, understanding animal behaviour and travel routes, and being out at dawn and dusk when animals are more active improve your chances, but there are never guarantees of encounters with wild animals. Sometimes we get lucky and animals share the road.  

I was surprised and delighted to learn from the Canadian Association for Photographic Art that my image Amboseli Reunion won Gold in the Monochrome category in the International Digital Salon Competition and my image Leadership won Bronze in the Nature category.

The Other Side of Fear is Awe

When the student is ready the teacher will appear. Tao Te Ching

We can judge the heart of a man by the way he treats animals. - Immanuel Kant

June 21st marked World Giraffe Day, a fitting choice to celebrate the tallest mammal on earth on the longest day of the year. Here’s a story about an encounter with orphaned giraffes I will never forget and the man whose loving kindness helped them return to the wild.

Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. Mr. Rogers

Feeling safe, being seen, loved and supported in early development is the best gift we can give a youngster. Elephants know all about this. Allomothers, or nannies abound in elephant society. They are the “other mothers” in a young calf’s life.

Moments of beauty begin to braid your days. John O’Donohue

This week’s inspiration comes from two writing friends who remind me that finding beauty is essential in our lives. 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Two experiences reminded me recently that the fight for the protection of elephants and the health of our planet is ongoing. One reminded me of past trauma, the other foreshadowed more horror in the near future.

The pastoralist Samburu people of Northern Kenya believe elephants were once people. Their oral tradition tells the story of how they became the ancestors of the elephant.

Where will we go for healing when wildlife and wild places no longer exist? Katie Rowe Co-Founder Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Cuteness may be hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. 

I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent! Dr. Seuss