In 2004, I visited Daphne Sheldrick at her elephant and rhino orphanage in Kenya. I had been corresponding with Daphne for a number of years and this was to be my first visit to the orphanage. A keeper took me out into the bush where I was introduced to the baby elephants. I was investigated by numerous inquisitive trunks, and had my hand suckled and my shirt tail chewed beyond recognition - a memorable experience.
The next year I was invited back to the orphanage. Daphne's two grandsons had reached schooling age and I was asked to help them with some English and Maths before term started. Although much of my time was spent with the boys, I did have wonderful opportunities to see the orphan elephants and baby rhino, as well as the two adult black rhino that often come in to be fed and pampered.
I also gained a unique insight into the work that Daphne and her family are doing within the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Not only do they rescue, care for and rehabilitate into the wild orphaned elephants and rhinos, but they also tirelessly maintain anti-snare teams to monitor and remove snares and traps from the National Parks. To find out more, please pay a visit to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust site.
In 2000 I wrote and illustrated a children's book called The Spirit of the Maasai Man. My aim was to raise awareness of the suffering of animals in captivity, and, in doing so, to promote the work of The Born Free Foundation. This organisation campaigns against the inhumane treatment of animals in zoos, their mission being "to keep wildlife in the wild".When I am able, I donate artwork to the Foundation for auction at one of their fund-raising events. The photo shows Virginia Mckenna, founder and trustee, auctioning one of my drawings at an open day held in Kent several years ago. The money raised from my donated artwork goes toward their tiger sanctuary near Bannerghatta in India and the two lion and leopard sanctuaries in Shamwari in South Africa. |
For three years I worked as an Assistant Secretary to the Elsa Conservation Trust . The Trust was founded in 1963 by Joy Adamson, using royalties from the books and films Born Free, Living Free and Forever Free. Today the Trust concentrates on promoting conservation awareness, using Joy Adamson's former home in Kenya as an education and visitor centre. Here, Kenyan children and their teachers learn about the importance of issues such as habitat management and game conservation.
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