On my first trip to Africa, I found hope for the future everywhere, from a magnificent rhino, to enthusiastic schoolchildren.
Jon Apfelbaum
By Jon Apfelbaum
AWF Legacy Giving Associate - Eastern USA
Thirty feet ahead, the imposing figure of a rhinoceros stood under the shade of an acacia tree, with its head bent towards a trickling stream. Worried that any noise might startle the majestic creature, our group remained silent while watching its every move. Though frankly, the rhino was unfazed by our group or the warthogs competing for a sip of water.
At that moment, the rhinoceros was rightfully the master of its domain, and its stance reflected one of great ease. Nearby a dedicated ranger stood with a watchful eye over the whole scene. This was one of the moments that I was fortunate to have while traveling through Kenya and Tanzania, and one that will be impossible to forget.
Rhino from Jon Apfelbaum’s trip to Africa
For two weeks, I traveled to meet with our program staff working tirelessly in each country to support our conservation initiatives. We often talk about African-led conservation at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), but seeing it in person puts its importance into perspective. This was evident when visiting the AWF Tsavo-Mkomazi field office in Kenya.
There they are working to address a host of issues, including poaching and human-wildlife conflict. While at Tsavo East National Park, we had the exciting opportunity to tour their new evidence storage locker at a ranger station, which will be used for safeguarding contraband like bush meat and snares. This locker will help AWF’s efforts in the local criminal courts.
Throughout my experience, I was struck by each community’s optimism, even as they lived in difficult conditions, and their immense concern for the future of the environment.
This made meeting Margaret Mereyian even more meaningful. Through AWF’s Classroom Africa program, Margaret promotes conservation awareness in schools. Fostering a positive perception of wildlife in children at an early age helps to reduce the community’s involvement in the illegal wildlife trade. During our tour, I was inspired by her students, who were eager to engage with AWF's conservation-centered curriculum and excited to learn how they can be the face of change.
School from Jon Apfelbaum’s trip to Africa
If empowering youth throughout Africa to believe in conservation can be one legacy left for the next generation, then all the effort will have been worth it.
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