The Elephant in the Room
There is now an elephant in your room. I don’t know the elephant’s name or age, what family the elephant belongs to or any other detail. All I know is that he is beautiful.
This is the elephant in the room.
I met him personally in South Africa in 2009. I was taking a shower outside in Kruger National Park at the Pafuri Camp, when I got that feeling like someone was watching me. My husband and I were staying in the furthest hut from the main camp, so I knew there was no one around. But the feeling just wouldn’t go away, so I tentatively peaked around the side of the bamboo lined shower…to see this elephant staring back at me! He was obviously interested in the fresh water. I wish now I hadn’t moved, for he might have come closer to get a taste. Instead, when we made eye contact (probably standing no further than ten feet from one another, at eye level since the hut and shower were raised substantially off the ground) we just stared silently at one another. He then slowly turned around and began walking past our hut to the river located directly below where he promptly got his drink.
And talk about a cool drink of water! I have never been so thrilled in my life! It was, and probably always will be, the most sensational experience. I don’t know what could top that.
So now you know the elephant in the room. There’s another one too. And that’s why I am starting this blog.
Elephants are magnificent creatures, but they are presently on course to become this generations dinosaurs. At the current rate of poaching, it is estimated that by 2024, there will be no more elephants in Africa. This is appalling.
This blog is dedicated to spreading awareness of the poaching crisis. Throughout the week, the latest news from leading scientists and journalists in the field will be posted in the form of videos, links, and photo galleries. It will also serve as a space for me to share my experiences, hopes and vision for the future of the world’s largest land mammal. This blog will be a place where what we read on paper can be put into action. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi,
Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.