Meet the waterbuck. They wear their hearts on their nose. They also have a special superpower! Read this week’s story to to learn more.

Start with the wonder, or we won’t have the heart for the journey.  Douglas Hine

What we have treasured over the years is the immediate and long-lasting affect a single image or film instills in the hearts and minds of children, adults, and families alike, inspiring discussions, imaginative perspectives, and most importantly, a greater understanding and appreciation of nature overall.

- Steve Freligh, Nature’s Best Photography Cofounder and President

It’s not enough to love animals; we must actively protect and preserve them. It’s our duty and responsibility as custodians of this planet.  Daphne Sheldrick

In the end, everything works out. And if it isn’t working out, it’s not the end yet.

You can’t help but feel the love at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where a team of devoted keepers care for orphaned animals until they can safely be reintegrated back to the wild.

Traveling is learning. Kenyan Proverb

A smile is the strongest weapon in the battle of life. Ghanian proverb

The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

Awe and wonder open our hearts and minds. From this place anything is possible.  Happy New Year! I’ve hauled out my bags and am organizing my gear. For the curious, armchair travellers and safari dreamers, here’s my packing list.

I have not gone away. The darkness of the season pulled me into its embrace. I am content to pause and reflect on the past year. I am grateful for so much in my life including you, my readers! Thank you. Your comments and support fuel my commitment to use my photography and stories to touch hearts and celebrate the beauty of nature. I appreciate hearing from you!

What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2023?

In indigenous culture when a shaman met an anxious or depressed patient, they often began by asking, “When in your life did you stop singing? When in your life did you stop dancing?” Singing and dancing are an integral part of Samburu culture. They sing to celebrate, they sing to heal the broken hearts of orphan elephants.

How do you care for an orphaned elephant? Patiently, because healing for a trauma survivor is slow at first. Lovingly in a community of safety, because without love and family elephants fail to thrive.

The orphaned elephants that are cared for by the Samburu at Reteti Elephant Orphanage, are symbols of a new wave of thinking about wildlife and the environment. It goes far beyond traditional conservation methods, and dives deeper into the core value of what nature represents.  Reteti.org

Canada Bans Ivory

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead.

Vital Impacts is excited to launch a fundraising fine art print sale in support of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (@r.e.s.c.u.e), Africa's first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary, and I am thrilled to be part of it!

I love that my kids pick up my phone now and before they use it to play games and zone out, they are struck by the beauty of the Lion and are awed by nature! This somehow restores some balance for me.

What has the legs of an antelope, the neck of a giraffe can stand on two legs? The gerenuk!

Meet the waterbuck. They wear their hearts on their noses. They also have a special superpower. Read this week’s story to to learn more.