Collection of conservation photography
''Through my lens: a journey of conservation and connection''
As I embarked on my journey as a photographer, I made a promise to approach my photographs with the utmost respect for the environment and its inhabitants. Every photograph I take is a reflection of this commitment to ethical photography – a commitment to observe, not disturb; to capture, not intrude. But my work goes beyond simply capturing striking images. It is a testament to the urgency of conservation, a call to action in the face of mounting environmental challenges. My wildlife photos are captured in an ethical manner, respecting the natural behaviours and habitats of the subjects. I have never engaged in any harmful activities that jeopardise the well-being of wildlife, ensuring my photography contributes positively to their conservation. The close-up photos serve solely for research, revealing the reality of these activities without contributing to the industry or for personal pleasure.
Trading in Western Chimpanzees; the plight of a baby chimp sold as a pet
Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, are often targeted for trade due to their intelligence, similarity to humans, and the demand for them as pets, performers, or even for their body parts in traditional medicine. Each year, a significant number of chimpanzees vanish from their native forests in Africa. The mature chimpanzees fall prey to poaching for meat, while the orphaned infants are ensnared and traded by criminal networks as part of the lucrative illegal wildlife commerce.
The pivotal function of wildlife sanctuaries in the global effort to counteract the illicit wildlife trade is crucial, a recognition that has only recently gained traction. These sanctuaries collaborate closely with local law enforcement to intercept trafficked wildlife and administer specialised care to the rescued animals. However, the punitive measures for wildlife-related crimes in Sierra Leone are inadequately stringent to dissuade wildlife traffickers. Moreover, there is a glaring lack of awareness among Sierra Leone's judicial authorities regarding wildlife crimes, impeding the effective prosecution and conviction of perpetrators.
