CEO NOTE: 30 July 2021
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A few weeks back I quietly observed two young ladies take selfies after composing themselves suitably – duck lips pout, come-hither eyes – you know how it goes. And then, once their faces had resumed the usual format, they did what seems to be de rigueur these days. They spent minutes editing the images on their phones to resemble a fictitious person. I know what they were doing because there was a running commentary of the physical ‘shortcomings’ that were being removed and replaced with suitable alternatives. Then, once happy with the alterations, they shared their selfies on social media.
I mention this because that process (of replacing physical reality with preferred but ultimately fake versions) is how some people approach conservation. What they want to see in Africa is preferred over the reality on the ground, and some go to extraordinary lengths to keep the dream alive – despite clear and present evidence that Africa requires a different approach.
Watch out for your newsletter next week – expect exciting news 😉
Keep the passion
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
From our Editor-in-Chief
Our first story below was supposed to be a short lament on the killing of another huge-tusked elephant by a wealthy trophy hunter. Instead, it forced me to take a painfully honest look at my own perceptions. It will continue to do so. I had a productive and illuminating discussion with the Botswana government and the Botswana Wildlife Producer’s Association. To be clear, I continue to abhor trophy hunting. I seriously doubt anything I argue will influence what either party thinks, but I am grateful for their unusual and refreshing openness.
In our second story below, we take a look at the dozy looking wildebeest…except it turns out he ain’t nearly so snoozy as he looks. Wildebeest function on far less sleep than the average human nightclubber.
Finally, our third story below is a voyage down the east coast of Africa in search of endangered turtles and their nests. It’s a perfect virtual escape to warm, tropical islands in these troubled times. If you want an actual escape for cocktails, white sands, azure oceans and adorable turtles, give our travel team a call.
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/another-giant-elephant-trophy-hunted-is-this-conservation/
TUSKER DOWN
Another giant elephant shot in Botswana. We ask what are the consequences for elephants, local communities, and hunting operations?
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/wildebeest-sleep-and-the-mysteries-of-slumber/
GNU SNOOZE
Wildebeest sleep for just four and a half hours in a 24 hour period – most deeply in the dead of night – says new research
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/africas-threatened-sea-turtles/
TURTLE TALES
Five of the world’s seven magnificent sea turtles swim Africa’s oceans and nest on the beaches – all are threatened by human beings
DID YOU KNOW: Bees are more efficient and motivated after a dose of caffeine!
WATCH: Two subadult leopards successfully released on Nkomazi Game Reserve (2:36)
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