As many of you know, I recently went to a conference sponsored by The Climate Reality Project.  The conference topics included climate change, communication, social justice, sustainability, and alternative energy solutions.  All areas are of interest to me but I found myself keenly focused on how to create the right conditions to speak with someone, especially when that person has a different mindset and an opposing point of view.  Atmosphere is important, and so is understanding that certain people will be more open to facts than others.  A well-known professor said we need to focus on the positives, rather than telling the other person she or he is wrong.  With that in mind, let me tell you about a hero.

Daniel Stiles is a detective, researcher and well-known author who has traveled across the world to save many animals who are about to become extinct.  He focuses on gorillas, chimps and orangutans, and rescues them from ape traffickers.  Sadly, ape trafficking is part of the illegal wildlife trade, a far-reaching business that is worth billions of dollars.  Unlike rhinoceros horns, tiger furs and elephant ivory, ape smuggling involves live animals –some of whom are only a month old.  Of those animals that are found, and that is usually one out of ten, they are discovered hidden in plastic bags in hand baggage, or beaten so badly and drugged that they need serious rehabilitation.  Gorilla babies cost as much as $250,000 and are in high demand.  Like orangutans, they are prized for their intelligence, sensitivity, empathy, and understanding.

Most recently, Daniel did work in Bangkok, Thailand.  He set up, with Freeland (a nonprofit group which combats human and wildlife trafficking) and Thai police, a sting operation to save some orangutans with the infamous “Tom”, a well-known smuggler.  Luckily, he was able to rescue two tiny baby orangutans that were found in the backseat of a taxi cab.  Sadly, Tom was nowhere to be seen.  I know there are other heroes out there working to improve the plight of animals, and hope you are one of them too.