diaz

I was fortunate enough to work on a shoot in the Lowveld and surrounding areas last week. We shot nature conservationists and the animals they conserve. I was so touched by the amazing work these people do I wanted to share it with you.....

First we went to Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Centre, I couldn't get any pictures of the chimps as they are being prepared to be set free into the wild. They all have their own horrific stories of where they came from, usually Angola where they were abused. They were rescued by Jane Goodall and her amazing team.

The following day we went to Kapama Cheetah Centre, this was one of my favourite days as we got to interact with BABIES!!!!


This baby and his 2 siblings were abandoned by there mother and rescued. They are being hand reared and will hopefully be realeased into the wild when they are grown up.
We also got to meet Tom, a King Cheetah.... So beautiful!!



We then went to Hazyview elephant sanctuaryThey have 2 beautiful elephants that were rescued from being culled in the Kruger National Park.
We got to interact with the elephants....



The smaller one Kissed me on my arm!! He takes his snout and wraps it around your arm and sucks and makes a kissing noise!!!
I have a shot here.......



The following day we went to White Lions Project where I met the most incredible woman I have ever encountered. Her name is Linda Tucker and she is on a mission to save the white Lion. There are many misconseptions about this majestic animal. Thought to be an inferior breed they are captured and used as freak shows for the circus or trapped in a zoo. Linda Tucker saved a white lion and re introduced it into the wild where it has prospered and had babies, it survives in the wild as well as a sandy lion-contrary to popular belief. I was fortunate enough to see two of the four wild white lions in THE WORLD... I couldn't get any pictures but if you go to the link above you will see how beautiful these animals are. It was the most magical encounter of my life.

Then off to San Wild, We saw some amazing animals there. The woman who runs this sanctuary is as tough as nails and will rescue any wild animal that is being mistreated. Her name is Louise Jobert. I have her number so if anyone has anything to report, contact me and I will put you in touch with her.

All in all it was an amazing educational trip, I met people who are making a difference and was inspired to do the same. All of these sanctuaries welcome volounteers and donations. They are fighting the big fight.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!!!