Africa — Heartfelt Stories Photography Blog

How the Samburu Became the Ancestors of Elephants.

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.

How the Samburu Became the Ancestors of Elephants.

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.

Just Say NO

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

A Horse of a Different Stripe

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.

A Safari Surprise

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

Kissing Cousins - Fear and Awe

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

Mwana's Miracle Movie

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.

A Win for Nature, A Win for the Economy

A living and thriving nature is not only valuable intrinsically, it is also financially valuable to us.

Ralph Chami PhD.

Grief and Healing – Murera’s story - Part 3

Elephants constantly remind us that miracles are possible. - Angela Sheldrick

Elephants are Reducing Carbon Emissions

Elephant conservation is not an African issue, it's a worldwide issue. Investing and elephants, is investing in the world's biodiversity. Elephants Alive https://elephantsalive.org

Grief and Healing – Murera’s story - Part 2

You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have. – Bob Marley

Grief and Healing – Murera’s story - Part 1

“This elephant has a lifespan of upwards of 60 years. Even if healing Murera takes a two-year struggle, it is important we try, as she so wants to live.” Dame Daphne Sheldrick

Celebrating Irresistible Baby Elephants

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

Secrets of the Elephants

Discover the strategic thinking, complex emotions, and sophisticated language of elephants, shaping a unique and dynamic culture. National Geographic TV series Secrets of the Elephants.

How to Spot a Hyena

Look deep into nature and you will understand everything. - Albert Einstein

Sustainable Travel

Take me to the places on the earth that teach you how to dance, the places where you can risk letting the world break your heart. And I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet and the stars overhead make my heart whole again and again. - Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Elephants Never Forget

But perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that there are no walls between humans and the elephants except those we put up ourselves, and that until we allow not only elephants, but all living creatures their place in the sun, we can never be whole ourselves. - Lawrence Anthony

Survival Shit

“It’s so dry here the small animals and birds depend on the elephants for their food.” In a recent conversation Dr. Winnie Kiiru described how elephant dung is helping to keep smaller animals alive during the unrelenting drought in Northern and Southern Kenya.