CEO NOTE: 04 December 2020
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It’s time. To stop treating elephants as political COLLATERAL for ideological campaigns. If you believe the extreme FRINGE of the vocal animal rights lobbies, then elephants were ‘there’ first and so humans must leave Africa’s rural areas. And the whining FRINGE of the trophy hunting industry will tell you that elephants are ecosystem destroyers that should be taken out in large numbers. Then there are the politicians, who hope that by trumpeting dramatic elephant-related announcements from the podium they will earn the popular vote. Of course, there is a thread of truth in all these sweeping statements – we all know that a good lie includes elements of the truth. My point is this: elephants are sentient creatures that should, by default, have our respect. They are also essential roleplayers in Africa’s ever-changing ecosystems, big drawcards for the mighty tourism Dollar and spiritual totems for many of Africa’s people. Elephants are both nuanced and hard-core in their impact on Africa’s people and on our reducing wild areas, and only science and Africa’s people can make the best decisions about them. So, the next time some evangelising lunatic tries to sell you an alternative lens through which to view elephants, walk away. Just walk away.
First up below, learn about Hwange and why it is such an iconic safari destination. This vast, ancient ecosystem has survived many generations of meddling humans and still offers an epic safari experience. GO THERE.
Our second story may only involve 39 parrots, but it does represent years of hard work in overcoming senseless political barriers related to returning wild-caught birds to their home ranges. SUCCESS at last – well done to all involved!
Our last story below covers a BEAUTIFULLY filmed documentary about one of the biggest issues facing our wildlife and our people. The production team is one of the most passionate, most talented in this space. Please read this interview and watch the doccie trailer.
HEADS-UP
Finally, my team and I are extremely excited about what will be coming your way early in 2021. I am just putting it out there that in a few months we will challenge you (yes, YOU) to join us on a long-term mission to make a real difference on the ground here in Africa. Stand by.
Story 1
https://africageographic.com/stories/confiscated-parrots-fly-free-again-over-dr-congo-forests/
FREE AT LAST: 39 poached & confiscated African grey parrots released in eastern DR Congo after being rehabilitated at Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre
Story 2
https://africageographic.com/stories/hwange-2/
SAFARI PARADISE: Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest national park, Hwange is a safari paradise that hosts large populations of elephants, lions and wild dogs
Story 3
https://africageographic.com/stories/the-edge-of-existence-and-human-wildlife-conflict-we-interview-james-suter/
THE EDGE: ‘The Edge of Existence’ tells the story of human-wildlife conflict on the western boundary of Tanzania’s Serengeti. We interview the filmmaker
Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic
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