I traveled to Kenya in January of 2014 as a graduate student with the Kenya Ecology & Conservation program offered through George Mason University's Center for Global Education.
I observed well over the 144 species of birds that I was able to successfully identify.
On one hand, the biodiversity and beauty of the landscapes along with strange and beautiful animals and plants was truly inspirational. The smiles of unknown children I will never see again, that ran along dusty country roads to wave until our vehicle passed also made a great impression. There are few other places where one can see leopards lounging in trees, flamingos feeding on shallow alkaline lakes, and giraffes walking next to acacia trees that dot the horizon.
On the other hand, the rapid pace of development that threatens Kenya's unique biota along with the extreme poverty of many rural people may have made the greatest impression on me. I met many people who are working to conserve the land and species or to diversify the economy by promoting different types of sustainable development like ecotourism and fair trade manufacturing with sustainable or salvaged materials. There is so much work to be done in Kenya, and quickly, to connect and protect the remaining habitats that are important to wildlife.
~Dana McCoskey
Photo credits: Guy Combes, Jonie Valdez, Ashley Scarfio, Jennifer Miller, and Dana McCoskey
Special thanks to:
Instructors - Ryan Valdez & Guy Combes
Driver/Guides - Issac & Chris of Peaks Safaris
GMU Center for Global Education - Erin Mateu
Staff of: JK Mara Lodge, El Karama Ecolodge, Soysambu Conservancy, & the Kolping Conference Center
My fellow GMU classmates that made safari in Kenya so enjoyable.
I observed well over the 144 species of birds that I was able to successfully identify.
On one hand, the biodiversity and beauty of the landscapes along with strange and beautiful animals and plants was truly inspirational. The smiles of unknown children I will never see again, that ran along dusty country roads to wave until our vehicle passed also made a great impression. There are few other places where one can see leopards lounging in trees, flamingos feeding on shallow alkaline lakes, and giraffes walking next to acacia trees that dot the horizon.
On the other hand, the rapid pace of development that threatens Kenya's unique biota along with the extreme poverty of many rural people may have made the greatest impression on me. I met many people who are working to conserve the land and species or to diversify the economy by promoting different types of sustainable development like ecotourism and fair trade manufacturing with sustainable or salvaged materials. There is so much work to be done in Kenya, and quickly, to connect and protect the remaining habitats that are important to wildlife.
~Dana McCoskey
Photo credits: Guy Combes, Jonie Valdez, Ashley Scarfio, Jennifer Miller, and Dana McCoskey
Special thanks to:
Instructors - Ryan Valdez & Guy Combes
Driver/Guides - Issac & Chris of Peaks Safaris
GMU Center for Global Education - Erin Mateu
Staff of: JK Mara Lodge, El Karama Ecolodge, Soysambu Conservancy, & the Kolping Conference Center
My fellow GMU classmates that made safari in Kenya so enjoyable.