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

There is no reconciliation without truth. Murray Sinclair

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.

Yousuf Karsh

Skunked: a fishing trip where no fish were caught. Not one bear sighting. What if the salmon never showed up?

The ends of the hairs on grizzly bears’ flanks, backs and shoulders often have white tips and give the bears a “grizzled” appearance, hence the species’ name.

Grizzlies are great swimmers. They are also fast, they can sprint faster than 55 kph. Take note - a grizzly will easily outrun, outclimb, and outswim you - so don’t swim with bears!

Indigenous people have co-existed with bears for thousands of years. At the core the bear represents courage and strength. The bear is seen as protector and healer.

Dawson turned off the motor and we drifted closer. No doubt about it, the bear knew we were there. He slipped into the water, raised his head as if to say hello, then proceeded about his business of looking for fish. We followed along at a respectful distance.

Reposted from July 2023.

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.

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.

When your travel agent offers a visit to any establishment that offers touching a wild species as entertainment – say no. Simon Espley – CEO Africa Geographic

Many readers were amazed and delighted to see the videos of the Grevy zebra birth in last week’s blog. Tonya Cole commented that she didn’t know there were different species of zebras. I’m sure she wasn’t alone so today’s story highlights the differences between the common zebra and the highly endangered Grevy zebra.

Imagine my friend and safari guide, Joseph Mutemi’s concern when he came across a Grevy zebra lying alone on the road.

One of the challenges of wildlife photography is to convey the power of an animal without putting oneself in danger.

Growing up in a safe community surrounded by love and a caring is a good predictor of resilience later in life. Enjoy this film about Little Mwana, Murera’s miracle baby, she is off to a good start.