“Thank you. I bow in gratitude for the gift of you that you have shared. The Wednesday morning emails became balm for my anxious soul. You continue to inspire me.”
This week the International Union for Conservation of Nature, announced that Forest elephants are critically endangered and Savanna elephants are endangered. Until we see wildlife as a partner in collaboration for the healing of the planet, success in the fight against climate change and preservation of the earth is in peril. How can you help?
Read MoreThe use of the pesticide DDT had a catastrophic impact on the environment. One of its effects was that eagle eggs became so thin they did not survive. As a result, eagles all but disappeared from North America and were declared an endangered species. But there is good news! Nature recovers if we let it—this year I’ve seen as many as 10 eagles circling in the sky at one time.
Read MoreElephant species have survived on the planet for 55 million years. Whereas our ancestors have walked the earth for only 6 million. Elephants have similar social structures to humans and show clear signs of emotional intelligence. When dealing with interpersonal conflict, raising families, and caring for the earth humans would be wise to consider “What would the elephants do?”
Read MoreWhat do elephants and avocados have in common? They both need land to survive. The major difference? Avocados can grow in locations outside of Amboseli in Kenya while two thousand of the world’s genetically unique elephants cannot. Significant threats pressure this pocket of remaining wilderness in East Africa–population growth, agriculture, and climate change.
Read More“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.
Read MoreThe maniacal whoops of spotted hyenas sent a shiver of excitement down my spine as I pulled the covers up to my chin and wriggled my toes on the hot water bottle at the foot of my bed. What was going on out there in the dark beyond my tent?
Read MoreI saw a tiny form tucked in amongst the elephants. The herd travelled several kilometers across the Amboseli plain and paused for a mud bath where we strategically parked midway on their route to water. The matriarch turned towards us, like a crossing guard to ensure safe passage for the little one when the elephants continued on and crossed the road.
Read MoreFeb. 4, 2020: Big Tusker Tim is dead. I looked at my email in disbelief. Impossible. I felt the gap between comprehension and acceptance in my gut. I saw him alive and well just 3 weeks earlier. Twenty Big Tuskers left on the planet—now there are 19.
Read MoreSex on the savannah—it’s everywhere! Being on safari is like being in class in real time—zoology, botany, anthropology, geology, conservation—teaching opportunities are everywhere including sex education.
Read MoreI have exciting news! Fig, my favourite spotted celebrity, is a new mother. Fig lives on the Olare Motorogi Conservancy adjacent to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. When I saw her in January 2020, she looked healthy and… pregnant.
Read MoreThe truck came to a grinding, abrupt stop, part of its underbelly hung up on a rock. It was the end of the day on safari on the Maasai Mara. Nathan, our guide and driver, asked, “Do you want to meet a new pride of lions?” We nodded eagerly and a mad dash ensued across the savannah.
Read More“Come! Come! You won’t believe this.” My friend pulled me to the edge of the bluff above Kenya’s Mara river. My breath caught in my throat. On the opposite shore of the river a baby hippo sniffed around a massive 12’ crocodile. Riveted, we feared the worst.
Read MoreI credit an elephant with a significant life lesson—slow down, be calm, watch/listen for the signs. I believe there is much going on around me that I often miss. Elephants are known for being able to communicate over vast distances. Perhaps that youngster heard my wish that night and was happy to fulfill my dream.
Read More“Come see our orphans, I’ll take you over first thing in the morning.” said Robert, my Samburu guide. Before the sun was up, we were bouncing down the dirt track in the land cruiser towards the stables at Sarara Camp, in Northern Kenya.
Read MoreWhen our grandson adopted a rhino for his birthday he explained his choice because “they have a really cool way to poop!” He’s absolutely right, they do. A male rhino poops in one spot creating big pile of dung, known as a midden. This marks his territory and acts as a warning to those who might trespass.
Read MoreI believe animals can teach us a lot about love and compassion. As a trauma therapist I heard many stories about how family pets or farm animals were the companions who provided love and solace in situations of domestic violence or abuse. The emotional support from an animal to a human and human to animal can heal deep wounds of separation, abandonment and trauma.
Read MoreMy love of Kenya and Africa was sealed by a kiss in Oct. 2010. My first day in Nairobi we headed to the Giraffe Centre—a refuge and breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild (Nubian) giraffes. I did not know that there were 9 species of giraffes on the African Continent.
Read MoreI confess, I am in love with elephant ears—the real ones. Although, as I write this, I realize one of my favourite pastries as a child was elephant ears so perhaps, I was destined to love elephant ears. I love elephants too, most of you know that, but, those ears—amazing! I remember the day I was hooked.
Read MoreAt a time when the news is dominated with reports of communities in conflict and environmental disasters, I have good news! Caring people are having a direct positive impact on the lives of others. This week’s story is one of gratitude. Special thanks to readers who have donated money or purchased products from my online store. You are making a difference in the lives of people in Kenya and the wildlife they coexist with.
Read MoreAs I lay in bed, I heard rumbles in the dark. I knew what they were. That's how elephants talk to each other. They have a deep rumble that comes from their belly and other than their body language—trunks and ears and use of their body—it is one of the main ways they communicate.
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