For many years I have applauded the conservation efforts of the country of Botswana. President Khama followed in his father's footsteps( His father was the first president of Botswana after independence and was convinced that Botswana's wildlife was one of its most important resources- as important as diamonds) establishing Botswana as one of the most conservation aware nations in Africa. When I learned my friends Willie and Anna were personal friends of the president, I asked them to set up a meeting so that I could show my support for their efforts. It was an interesting and humbling experience. It was also a very emotional one for me and, while reading the letter Jim and I wrote, I started tearing up and crying.
Luckily, the television story cut out the part when the presidents Minister came over and offered me his handkerchief and comforted me. I guess that helped to impress them that I was very sincere about my appreciation and support for their efforts. I only wish more people would support these efforts and that more countries in Africa would ban trophy hunting and concentrate on stopping animal poaching within their borders. As least I can say I did my best!
