Recently, hosted by Future For Nature Foundation, I had the opportunity to visit Tsavo National Park in Kenya with around 50 fellow conservationists from dozens of countries. Witnessing the magnificent wildlife—from a cheetah family to a lion pride over a buffalo kill, and even tiny birds and raptors—filled the air with a renewed sense of passion. The excitement was palpable, whether it was spotting a tawny eagle or the bateleur eagle perched on a tree.
For many of us who choose conservation as a a career, wildlife has always been our passion. Yet over time, the demands of this field consume our energy as we fight daily to protect wildlife. Our passion shifts from “feeling and observing wildlife” to “protecting wildlife”.
However, what struck me during this trip was how much we all miss the childhood thrill of simply observing and feeling wildlife, the very passion that led us to become conservationists. We’ve dedicated our lives to saving these animals but often forget the joy that observing them brings.
As conservationists, we should sometimes pause our daily battles, go out to where our beloved animals are, and reconnect with them. We deserve that joy and happiness before resuming our fight.
Photos by José F. González-Maya, Ph.D.Maggie MuurmansEls Van Lavieren