Chapter 1
For centuries, humans have walked the Earth and remained as the dominant species on the entire planet. Throughout our time on Earth, we’ve driven hundreds of millions of animals to extinction. To this very day, we continue to destroy the natural order and its precious wildlife that has been thriving for millions of years before us.
Many animals currently face the threat of extinction due to habit destruction, degradation, climate change and poaching. Poaching has caused a rapid decline in certain species all over the world. To make matters worse, animal parts are constantly being sold on the black market and for the ivory trade. It’s very important that we protect our ecosystems and understand the natural order of nature as a whole. This epic and thrilling story will tackle these themes as I take you through the harsh terrains of the African wilderness, and the ruthless nature of humanity and poaching . Take care of our beautiful animals. They are NOT our property.
Chapter 1
Being a conservationist is a fun career to hold in your possession, but, it comes with many responsibilities. I’ve learned this from many of my experiences, but, nothing I’ve done comes close to my expedition in South Africa. When I was a little boy, my mother sat with me on the couch in our living room, and she’d put on National Geographic. Oh, it feels so magical when you’re watching it in front of your very own TV screen as a kid, but, many who’ve ventured into the African wilderness will tell you that it feels completely different, as if you’ve entered a whole new world. A paradise if you will. A paradise where nature takes its course, and you can feel every bit of it.
When I was in High School, I met someone who would soon become a part of my life. Her name is “Kayla”. Sometime during our junior year, we did presentations in our biology course, and the topic surrounded our current ecosystems, and how humanity and wildlife share the same planet. From that very moment, Kayla was fascinated by my knowledge and dedication for the topic, and even asked me to help her with her assignment before she presented it just a few days later.
We eventually became very close friends, and even got into a relationship in our Senior year, and after High School, we both went to Hallmark University, and just seven years later into our relationship, we decided to make it official. Me and Kayla both mastered our studies in the field of conservation, and once we were out of college, we both entered our careers of being conservationists.
Our relationship was a healthy balance, and I couldn’t ask for a better wife to go through the ups and downs with me throughout my life. We’ve had hundreds of experiences at reserves, national parks and even community service at zoos, but, we would soon take our very first step at venturing into the wild on a completely different continent.
It was late one night, and Kayla was already at home, waiting for me to come back from work. She usually would hop in the shower before me, at least during our work days, and she’d come out to find me home. However, I ran a couple hours late tonight, strictly because of overtime and traffic.
After some time of waiting, I eventually opened the door and stepped in my glamorous house, just waiting for Kayla’s welcoming embrace. “Honey, I’m home!” I walked through the living room, then the kitchen, but, she wasn’t in sight. I then made my way upstairs, thinking that she’d either be in the shower, or sleeping. As I made it upstairs, I searched the bedroom, only to be greeted with her presence from behind me, as she stepped out of the bathroom. “Hope I’m not interrupting the man of the hour.” She said romantically. I then turned around, and was met with her beautiful smile as she stood in front of the bathroom door. “You could never interrupt me.” I said back. We then shared a lovely kiss and a magical embrace, as we tumbled back and cuddled on the bed. “I wouldn’t want this moment to be any other way.” She said as we touched our faces together on the bed. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I responded. “I was thinking we could go out of state and contribute to breeding programs for endangered species.” Kayla said. “Well, we should focus targeting our earnings for the bills first, but, you know I’d love that.” Kayla smiled and hugged me again.
Our lives were perfect. We were both happy and financially stabled to plan for our future, and with every passing year, we began to feel even more passionate in our fields, and we both had a feeling that something big was yet to come. “David.” “Hm?” “I want us to have a kid.” My eyes widened in shock. “Really?” We both locked eyes with each other. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” “Of course I am. Is that bad?” “No! In fact, it’s great! I just didn’t think you’d be ready for motherhood.” She romantically chuckled.
The thought of the two of us having a kid was exhilarating and brought us both together. We’ve talked about it for a few days, and shared our anticipation for having a kid. It would be a lot of work, especially given our current careers, but, we were both extremely dedicated and confident.
A few days later, me and Kayla made trips around several local schools for assemblies. We were given a great opportunity to spread awareness of nature and wildlife to many students, and the schools even let us bring a few exotic animals, such as a Koala, Raccoon, Impala, Vulture and a female Bear cub named “Ruthie”, which many students deemed as their favorite animal.
Me and Kayla always had the thirst and thrill of making a difference and to contribute to help companies protect endangered species around the globe. It was a job we loved doing, and many people seem to be inspired and enlightened by our stories and our overall love for nature.
4 hours later
Me and Kayla were out having dinner with two of our great friends, “Daniel” and “Craig”. Daniel and Craig are also conservationists, and are very experienced in the field. They are just 2 of the many people we’ve met during our years in conservation. We all had a ball during our outing, and shared thrilling facts about wildlife. “Jesus! When was the last time we had a hangout like this?” Craig said. “Well, you know how it is. Me and Kayla have been catching up with our plans.” I said “We’re gonna make the most of it!” Kayla said. “You two are the best duo I know! Hell, even Craig can’t get his wife into the same league as us.” Daniel said. “She’s strictly an indoor house wife. She hates the idea of being around wild animals.” Craig said. “Sounds like a skill issue to me.” Daniel said, as he made both me and Kayla laugh at the table. “Anyway, I wanna hear your takes. What’s one animal you think you’d be able to resettle down?” I asked. “Cheetah! Easy.” Daniel responded. “They’re fast, but not very flexible, and they don’t fall into the panthera genus, meaning, they’re not big cats. Not to mention that they have a weak bite force, at least in comparison to other predators.”
We all listened to Daniel’s take as we were eating. “I mean, statistically, Cheetahs don’t seek out conflict with other animals, unless its out of food motivation, so, you’d have a pretty decent shot at that I guess.” Kayla said. “Heh. I can’t do wild cats of any kind, but Lions, they’re my biggest fear. I’d have a better shot facing a clan of Hyenas.” Craig said. “Well, not really. Lions may be ambush hunters and are a lot more flexible, but, Hyenas coordinate their attacks in much bigger numbers.” Daniel said. “Well, I can confidently say that while Hyenas are more efficient killers, it’s the Lion that remains the most intimidating in its environment. The face of an adult male Lion is one of the most iconic symbols in human culture. A face of power and dominance, but, it’s the Lionesses that you need to fear the most.” Everyone froze in silence as they began to listen to my suspenseful monologue.
There was tension building up in my speech. “Lionesses are the ones that actively hunt in groups called “Prides”. They’re also a lot more aggressive than the males. Once you’re in their vicinity, you won’t even know that you’re being hunted by the pride. They’re able to hunt in the environment completely silent, and if you’re within its pouncing range, your death with be so swift and quick. You probably wouldn’t even have time to scream, as the Lioness latches on your throat. Then, the rest of the pride closes in and they just…. feast on your corpse. Lions may not be the biggest, nor the strongest of the big cats, but their reputation is nothing short of fearsome.”
The others sat in silence and were processing my powerful monologue on Lions. “Hey, David. If you had ever found yourself in a situation where you were surrounded by a whole pride, what would you do?” Craig asked me. “Me? Well, I could probably keep my composure against a single Lion, but, I can’t see myself getting anywhere if I’m up against a whole pride.” “Well, at least you’re honest about it.” Daniel said.
Daniel then leaned his head forward. “I can’t tell you how many people I’ve came across who’ve told me their ridiculous survival takes against predators. Did you know that 60% of us Americans think that they can take on a Grizzly Bear?” He said. “Shut up!” Kayla shouted. “I’m dead serious! It’s ridiculous!” We all started laughing over the conversation. “Surviving a Grizzly is difficult?” Craig asked. “No, no, no! Not survive. Many of these goons out there in our country think they can “fight” a full grown Grizzly Bear, and win.” We all continued laughing uncontrollably and share energetic smiles.
After dinner, the 4 of us crashed at a bar for a couple of hours, where we all got wasted. It was the first time in forever where me and Kayla had a pure blast with Daniel and Craig. We all took that night as a night to remember, and I had told Daniel and Craig that me and Kayla would love to keep in touch with them and go out more often. After all, they were our kind of people with the same knowledge and experience as us.
It reached midnight, and me and Kayla headed back home. We had the very next day off, so, we were gonna take tomorrow as an opportunity to crash in, especially since we all were practically trashed after the bar. We both hit the showers and then went knocked out cold in bed together.
