Several years ago, I wanted to be able to remember (and share) some of my experiences when I lived and worked in Kenya. I was there beginning in September 2009, and I had the good fortune to be able to spend the better part of two years in Kenya, finishing up my work in 2011. Of course I enjoyed travelling about the country with my driver and best friend, Charles Masese, with whom I am still in close touch, and I returned in later years to enjoy a safari or two.
Of all my experiences in Kenya, the highlight was the great affection I took up for the African elephants. Indeed, I was so fascinated I collected my photographs and prepared a book (self-published) telling about how my Kenya friends and I came to understand more about these magnificent animals (and making clear that a safari is not necessarily a hunting expedition—it can be and often is a journey simply to observe wild animals).
The book, of course, is no longer available, except in my private library and the book collections of people to whom I gave copies. Nevertheless, it made me (and quite a few friends, both Americans and in several other countries around the world), very happy to have some tangible instrument for sharing my personal interest in elephants.
I still think about the elephants I learned to love. I even allowed myself—a few years back—to get involved in a project for New York’s Bronx Zoo, doing a bit of fund-raising and giving a few talks here and there about my interest. Not surprisingly, over the years I published a few blog posts about the elephants. As we celebrate World Elephant Day in 2024 (August 12 this year), permit me to suggest a re-read, if readers are interested in a post from a few years back. Take a look at Celebrating the Elephants and see if you don’t get a “feel” for these magnificent creatures and learn to love them as one of God’s most spectacular gifts to us. And use the term “elephants” to take advantage of the “Search this website” search engine at the top right of each screen on this blog. You’ll find plenty to read.
Learn more about World Elephant Day at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Elephant_Day.
For more information and to learn about opportunities for making a tax-deductible contribution, go to: https://worldelephantday.org.
But in any case, take a look at Celebrating the Elephants and as you read it, be sure to click on the link for the photos. You’ll have some fun.