“If we do not do something to prevent it, Africa’s animals, and the places in which they live, will be lost to our world, and her children forever.” – Nelson Mandela
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Jambo (hello) dear readers! I’m in Kenya this week and next (whoot, whoot!). I’ll be back with news, stories, and images for you on Nov. 10th. If I have access to internet while I am away, I will post some photos on Instagram. Follow me @kathykarnphotography!
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“I’d love to get down low” I whispered. “If we find a good spot you can get out” Pilipili replied. Get out? My heart rate rose a few more levels. Although the bull elephants appeared peaceful and benign, at six tons Big Tusker Tim could flip our truck with one casual swing of his trunk or step on me and it would be all over.
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Last week a tiny elephant calf fell in a well in Northern Kenya. The region is currently experiencing a devastating drought. The local Samburu people dig wells for their livestock in riverbeds during the dry season. They bring their animals to drink during the day and elephants take advantage of the wells at night. Unfortunately, sometimes a calf falls in and the elephants are unable to help it out.
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I chose to visit Sarara Camp in Northern Kenya, after reading photographer Ami Vitale’s National Geographic story about the launch of the sanctuary in 2017. Reteti is the first community owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa and the first elephant orphanage to employ women as keepers. Not only are they saving elephants, Reteti is creating employment for women and modeling new roles for young girls.
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This week’s Heartfelt Story—The Grace of Elephants and What they Can Teach Us About Love—is a podcast interview, with Monica Rodgers. I made an instant connection with Monica in a Seth Godin Creatives Workshop in 2020. Monica hosts a popular weekly podcast called “The Revelation Project.” She believes “what gets revealed, gets healed.”
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The world is at a tipping point due to the destructive behaviour of humans. I believe we would do well to ask ourselves as we consider important decisions about the future of our planet, “What would the elephants do?” When I think of the answer, I relive my encounter with the elephants of Amboseli in January 2020.
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What if The Heartfelt Story this week was one picture? No accompanying story, rather an invitation to contemplate a picture in silence at a pace that is slow to middlin.
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Breaking news – the case against the avocado farm reported in Stop the Madness on March 31st has been dismissed and the farm’s license revoked. Conservationists and community pastoralists fought back and won!
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This week, I wrote a short children’s storybook about some of my favourite African animal mothers and babies in honour of Mother’s Day. I am grateful to Haya (3) and Mara (6) and their mothers who gave me valuable feedback about which images they preferred. I wrote this book with them in mind.
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I spotted a rodent-like grey shape, bigger than a squirrel, smaller than a raccoon, with a set of round dark eyes and twitching nose. A cousin of the elephant? Seriously!? An elephant? If at first glance they seem like complete opposites, upon closer inspection, these cousins share quite a few characteristics.
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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?
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Elephant 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?”
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What 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.
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I 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.
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Feb. 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.
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I 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.
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When 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.
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I 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.
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At 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.
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