On the Road with RoxAnna: Day One
May 1, 2017Here I go…
I am at the first of many airports I will be in for the next 26 hours. I am on my way to Senegal which is on the western coast of Africa. While I have worked with many African species over the years, I have never actually stepped on the continent. To my close friends I have been referring to this trip as my trip to Africa-land. I think because it feels so unimaginable much like visiting the different lands I grew up visiting at Disneyland. It feels very unbelievable that I am actually heading to this great continent I have admired and been inspired by from afar for so many years.
I am going as a representative of The Living Desert- Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert, CA. The Living Desert has been dedicated to preserving the deserts of the world for 47 years. The zoo has collaborated with the conservation organization Sahara Conservation Fund for a very long time. This is why I am headed to Senegal. To meet with like-minded conservationists to talk about the programs that are happening in North Africa- Sahelo Saharan.
As we go through our busy daily lives, it is easy to forget that there are dedicated people all over the globe working in sometimes difficult and challenging places to save species. Some of these amazing people are who I will get a chance to learn from and talk with. I have no idea what to expect from the country but I do know that I will be inspired by the stories and projects I will hear about in the coming days. This will allow me to come back and help The Living Desert do more to help the amazing deserts of the world. Because, after all, if not us, then who?
Be good humans.
Kind wishes,
RoxAnna