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
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
Creature currency: Nature’s most beloved beasts, as illustrated on the humble banknote
Currency. Every society (more or less) uses it, but have you ever stopped to stare at the amazing array of creatures that are detailed on the back of those crumpled pieces of paper (and now, plastic) we stuff into our pockets and wallets each week? From the Philippines’ pikoy, to Bermuda’s bluebird, onto the splendid … Continued
Arnold Schwarzenegger charged by African elephant
‘I couldn’t have written this safari encounter better if it was a movie.’ These are the words of actor, bodybuilder and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, who came across a massive African elephant while on safari in South Africa. Schwarzenegger posted the encounter on his YouTube page, and expressed admiration for these mighty beasts. … 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
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
Destination spotlight: Kalahari desert
Covering 900,000 square kilometres in southern Africa, this semi-arid desert is home to a large number of plant and animal species, at least larger than your average desert. Here, you’ll find a number of big cats as well as hyenas, wildebeest, antelopes and quite a few predatory birds. In terms of flora, there are beautiful … Continued