Audio detection device. Deep in the rainforests of Central Africa, a quiet network of listening devices is monitoring around the clock. Deployed by Cornell University Elephant Listening Project, these real time recorders capture the low rumbles of elephants and, more crucially, the sounds of gunfire. ELP has placed a web of these devices over nearly 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles), the system is designed to help conservationists and rangers detect poaching activity

Giraffes are amazing for many reasons, not the least of which is their extraordinary eyes. A giraffe is able to see, with detail and clarity, as far as six miles in the distance. Giraffes have panoramic vision. Unlike humans who can only focus on one item at a time, a giraffe can look at two things simultaneously, yet their vision is binocular, allowing them to see depth with a nearly 360 degree view! (Talk about eyes in the back of your head!) Giraffes have the second larges

On a recent trip to Tanzania I was thrilled to visit the Ngorongoro Crater, which lies just three miles from the Olduvai Gorge. Our itinerary did not permit us to travel to the gorge, but seeing the crater was a glimpse into the historic area of which the gorge is the crown jewel. What makes this location so unique is its anthropological and archaeological significance. It was the excavations of the gorge in the 1930s that led to groundbreaking discoveries about human develop

Yard signs like these indicate to your neighbors that you care for the bees and aren't just lazy. Pollinators are animals—primarily insects like bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies, but also birds and bats, (and even giraffes) that move pollen between flowers. By transferring pollen from the male to the female parts of plants, they enable fertilization, allowing plants to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants. Bees are our most essential pollinators and are crucial f

All around the globe, people are celebrating the pale blue dot. Earth Day began in 1970 when a senator from Wisconsin thought it was time to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystems of Earth. When NASA astronauts sent back photos from space, we were suddenly aware of the beauty of our planet, and people looked at our world differently. That iconic image of Earth floating alone in the vast darkness of space reminded us just how precious and vulnerable our home truly is. To

A Rare Snow-White Surprise in the African Savanna In the heart of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, something extraordinary has captured the world’s attention a rare white lion cub, playfully tumbling through the golden sands alongside its tawny siblings. At first glance, the tiny cub looks almost magical its pale coat glowing against the earthy tones of the savanna. But this isn’t fantasy it’s a rare genetic marvel. What Makes This Cub So Special? Unlike albino ani

M23 also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army, is a Congolese Rwandan-backed rebel paramilitary group. Working in conservation is not always an easy job. Sometimes it is actually dangerous. During my internship with the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center in 2014, I was assigned my first real job. I was assigned to a research group who were collecting data on Cercopithecus kandti (the golden monkey). We were to observe, monitor, take a census, and attempt habituation—tha

The project continues. . . Our first objective last year was to purchase three additional acres. Our second was to begin building the Caretakers Cottage. One of the best parts of having a vision is watching it unfold, sometimes in ways we did not imagine. Our vision for the Caretakers Cottage was one of a 1400 square foot two story wooden house. As the project began we learned that wood is not only three times as expensive in Tanzania as it is in the United States, but also v

“At the beginning of the 20th century there were millions of giraffes in Africa. Today, there are only 80 thousand left.” (Faces of...

April 22, 2025 Earth Day began on April 22, 1970 and was inspired by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. He saw the impact of industry...

Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania formed about 2.5 million years ago. A volcanic eruption collapsed the cone inward and from this, a crater...

Tomson at the Ugandan Zoo It all began when my carefully laid plans went sideways. My plane was bound for Tanzania 16 months ago when a...

Our recent visit to the sanctuary site was a thrill. Five beautiful acres of greenery just waiting for giraffes. We have now planted more...