Florida
Category: Uncategorized | Date: Oct 05 2008 | By: elephantsofbotswana
Well here I am in sunny Orlando - not that I am seeing much of it as I am stuck in hotel for the conference. I presented yesterday morning and was second on the agenda and so pleased to get it out of the way. I have been to a few of these now and it has finally dawned on me the power of social networks. It is important to both us and elephants. I know a few people here now and now suddenly they are asking me advise and comments, and visa versa. I am hoping that this interest will bring in some funding from some of the zoos represented here.
The hotel is fine but it is a bit strange not being able to open the window and smell fresh air - so not used to that. And whilst I am in a hot place I am generally cold as EVERYWHERE is air conditioned - again an alien concept and one I am not comfortable with. Nature seems to be ignored here, eradicated and generally not encountered which seems a shame. I know that Florida has a lot of native species which they do not seem to be embracing - at least I do not see much evidence of it but then I guess I am in a very built up area and so face the same issues as other cities all over the world.
This afternoon I am going up state to visit a friend. She and her husband were clients at the camp near the research and we have gotten to know eachother through that. So I am looking forward to seeing some more of Florida. Then on Wednesday I head for New York City. Currently struggling to find somewhere to stay so hope I can sort that out soon!!!
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Hi, I am Kate Evans, or more commonly known as Elephant Kate. I am a zoologist whose great love is elephants. Since 2002 I have been living my dream by researching elephants in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. I decided I was going to be an elephant researcher when I was seven. I was living in Asia at the time and visited the elephant orphanage in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It was there that I made up my mind I was going to work for these majestic and intelligent animals. I made a promise to an elephant and we all know an elephant never forgets!!!! It took me 20 years to finally realise my dream and start my life as an elephant researcher. It was 20 years well spent and now I have to pinch myself most days to make sure it is true and I am living my dream.
I now head up a team who are researching the elephants and trying to work out the social and ecological needs of the largest remaining population of the African elephant. From time to time, other team members will add their thoughts and experiences. I love sharing my experiences - so I hope that this blog is a medium through which you will be able to join the elephants and I on our adventures in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. -
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3 Responses to “Florida”
paula, on 05 Oct 2008
Hi Kate, Florida has had it’s fair share of environmental problems but you’ll soon discover that many Americans are strong supporters of nature and the country has some of the strongest history of cosnervation, as well as institutions like the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and policies like the Endangered Species Act. USA is probably also the bigggest source of funds for conservation anywhere. Having done my MSc in Florida I can tell you that there are some wonderful spots down south - hope you find them
paula, on 05 Oct 2008
Hi Kate, Florida has had it’s fair share of environmental problems but you’ll soon discover that many Americans are strong supporters of nature and the country has some of the strongest history and culture of conservation, as well as institutions like the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and policies like the Endangered Species Act. USA is probably also the bigggest source of funds for conservation anywhere. Having done my MSc in Florida I can tell you that there are some wonderful spots down south - hope you find them
Siggi, San Diego, on 09 Oct 2008
Ah, you’re on the East Coast. Boy, you put that nicely…”Nature seems to be ignored here, eradicated and generally not encountered which seems a shame…” I will never get used to the air conditioned rooms her, so I know exactly what you mean.
Good luck with the rest of your time here and I hope you where able to sort out someplace to stay in NY.
Good luck with everything!
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