I hope you’ll indulge me because I feel like talking about Africa today. I know this doesn’t have anything to do with Morning Bray Farm, donkeys, dogs or New Mexico, but I do think about Africa all the time. If you asked Don, I think he’d tell you that once I get started, I could probably talk about it forever.
“One time, in band camp Africa…”
I love East Africa and its amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery and wonderful people. As I was going through old pictures last night, I came across this favorite taken on my first safari in 2002.
I visited these orphaned chimps in Uganda at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Most chimpanzees in sanctuaries are confiscated from poachers or market vendors. Unfortunately, chimpanzees are still disappearing in the wild because of massive destruction of their habitat, hunting for their meat and poaching of infants to be sold as pets for the illegal export trade.
Walking with those chimps was a highlight for me on that safari. Did you know that chimpanzees share 98.4% DNA with humans, which makes them closer to humans than gorillas?
Even better is seeing chimpanzees in the wild. The ability to see them in their native habitat and observe their natural behaviors is unforgettable. This photo was taken at Kibale National Park in Uganda.
March 13, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Simply amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience with such extraordinary animals.
LikeLike
March 13, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Yes, but when it comes to the speech DNA we have them beat hands down. LOL
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
LikeLike
March 13, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Oh my gosh – that picture with you and the chips is AMAZING. Look at that smile on your face…wow.
Your “first safari in 2002”? How many safaris have you been on?
And I’d love to hear more about how your connection to Africa started and then has grown throughout the years.
Any plans to go back soon?
LikeLike
March 14, 2010 at 7:55 am
Great post. I also have an affinity for East Africa, having spent a short time there a while back. I’d love to see your photos!
LikeLike
March 15, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hey, I’ve been following your blog every day now and I just loved this post. I have never been to Africa but it’s a big dream of mine. I am in love with the continent and it’s animals. I foster orphaned baby elephants and a rhino in Kenya.. I believe that I love Africa because human life actually started there and it represents our “home”.
LikeLike
March 16, 2010 at 9:59 am
Africa (specifically Kenya) has a special place in my heart too, but I’ve only been there once….over 20 years ago. The people were so genuine and kind and the animals were amazing. I adore that photo of you and the chimps. I found your blog via Linda at 7MSN and really enjoying reading about the adventures at your farm.
LikeLike