Yesterday I learned of the passing of a giant in the world of conservation.
Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton died in Nairobi at the age of 83. Iain had spent 60 years studying and protecting African elephants in Kenya and Tanzania. It was Iain who alerted the world to the massive slaughter of elephants in the 1970s and 1980s. It was Iani who helped the world understand the intelligence, emotions and family bonds of African elephants. Iani founded the Save the Elephants and Elephant Crisis Fund in Kenya. Iain memtored the next generation of elephant scientists.
I had the honor of meeting Iani during two trips to Kenya. He joined those of use staying at Elephant Watch Camp for dinner one evening. Iain's wife had founded Elephant Watch Camp in the Samburu region of Kenya. I don't remember what all we discussed, but I do recall that he talked to us about, and showed us, an app that allowed him and his team to follow elephants that had been fitted with tracking collars. This is important as it allowed researchers to know when elephants were getting too close to local villages and farms, where the pachyderms liked to enjoy the farmers' crops as an all-you-can-eat buffett. It also warned when the elephants were are risk of leaving the Samburu preserve.
The other time I met Iain was when my friend and I happened to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphange in Nairobi. Although he may not have remembered us, he graciously spent a few minutes talking with us and posing for a quick photo.
Iain's conservation legacy will continue through the efforts of daughter Saba Douglas-Hamilton, who has appeared in several BBC series about animals. Saba for a time worked with a rhinoceros rescue group in Namibia, and her annual speaking tour in the United Kingdom frequently sells out.
It isn't often that one person can have such a massive and widespread impact on the world. Along with Dr. Jane Goodall, Iain changed human understanding of two iconic African species. They raised awareness and I believe, made people care about chimpanzees and African elephants. They inspired young people to follow in their footsteps and continue their work.
What an amazing legacy these pioneers have left.
