From MGM stars to man-eaters: 10 of the most famous lions throughout history
Lions (Panthera leo) are some of the most iconic creatures on Earth. Unusual among big cats for both their social behaviour and striking sexual dimorphism, these ‘kings of beasts’ have been important to humans since the dawn of mankind. Some lions have even managed to transcend the general notoriety of their species to stake out … Continued
Jane Goodall on life, legacy and why dirt-lovin’ youngsters are our best chance to save the world
When Dr Jane Goodall arrives for our interview at the Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto, she’s only moments off the phone talking about November’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. It’s there that Dr Goodall will join the world’s most prominent environmental activists and experts, scientists and politicians, all of which have one objective … Continued
7 amazing facts about gorillas that you probably didn’t know
Next to chimpanzees and bonobos, gorillas are the closest living relatives to humans. They share at least 95% of their DNA with us, and our two species derive from the same common ancestor. Despite this, gorilla populations have been sadly neglected by humans. Habitat loss due to increasing human populations and poaching for the bushmeat … Continued
Larger than life: Graham Spence, co-author of The Elephant Whisperer, reflects on the achievements of charismatic conservationist Lawrence Anthony
When Lawrence Anthony decided to save the lives of seven ‘troublesome’ elephants by giving them a home on his South African reserve, he wasn’t sure what would follow. But he knew it would be a great adventure. Anthony’s exploits with the elephants on ‘Thula Thula’ have been immortalised in the page-turning bestseller, The Elephant Whisperer. … Continued
The extraordinary story of the explorer who disappeared in Africa, then sent a 'friend request' 13-years-later
‘With the bicentenary of the death of the British explorer Mungo Park approaching, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to his memory to recreate his travels in post-colonial West Africa. I intend to follow the brief set for him by the African Association in 1795 to discover the River Niger and to follow … Continued
Everything you ever wanted to know about the illegal ivory trade, as explained by a leading elephant expert
Mary Rice has held a deep affinity with elephants for as long as she can remember. Today Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)—an independent campaigning organisation committed to protecting the natural world from environmental crime—and team leader of their Elephant Campaign, the author of Heat, Dust and Dreams has been fighting for the welfare of … Continued
Kenya set to burn massive ivory stockpile heavier than 17 bull elephants
The Government of Kenya is preparing to destroy a 106 tonne stockpile of ivory next week in a high-profile international event, which conservation charities hope will prove a significant stepping stone towards ending all ivory trade and the poaching epidemic that feeds it. The Kenyan Government’s ivory burn will follow the Giants Club’s two-day wildlife summit … Continued
10 awe-inspiring natural wonders to visit via Google Maps
Nothing beats experiencing nature first hand. Whether you’re standing in the shadows of a vast geological monument, witnessing wild animals up close or soaking up the ambience of some remote untouched wilderness, no one’s yet found a way to fully replicate our planet’s most amazing spectacles through technology. That said, not everyone has the budget … Continued
Long live the king: Steps to curtail trophy hunting after Cecil’s death won't yet save Africa’s lions
While legions of people right across the world were outraged by the slaughter of Cecil the lion at the hands of dentist Walter Palmer in July 2015, many also hoped that the international attention would translate into positive change and a brighter future for Africa’s imperilled lions. In the wake of ‘Cecil-gate’, the US and … Continued
Serengeti: Evolution in action
The Serengeti is home to the greatest concentration of large mammals in the world. Spanning 30,000 square kilometres of Kenya and Tanzania, this is a true natural wonder, made all the more precious by wildlife declines elsewhere in Africa. Yet for the wildlife that calls the Serengeti home it can be a harsh and unforgiving … Continued
This 2-and-a-half-month-old white rhino loves to run
Meet Tino, a 2-and-a-half-month-old white rhino who is fast on his feet. Not only does running help the young rhinoceros burn off energy, but it keeps mom on her toes as well.
Kenya denies sanctuary to chimps from Ebola-hit Liberia
Two young chimpanzees from Ebola-hit Liberia have been denied sanctuary at a Kenyan wildlife reserve, despite the fact that they have shown no signs of infection with the deadly virus. The two-year-old female chimps, Sweet Pea and Guey, were rescued from animal traffickers by conservation group, the Project to End Great Ape Slavery (PEGAS), in … Continued