Lisa Lavender

Happy #Caturday Big Cat lovers! instagram.com/p/DYHNUD1jKQk/…

Chimpanzees are among the most intelligent animals on earth. They share about 98.8% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives alongside bonobos. Their remarkable intelligence, emotions, communication, and social behavior continue to offer important insights into both the natural world and ourselves. They deliberately use tools such as sticks to extract termites, stones to crack nuts, leaves as sponges for water, and branches for defense. They also remember complex patterns, build friendships and alliances, recognize hierarchy, communicate through gestures and vocalizations, comfort distressed group members, and even show self awareness and empathy. Different chimp communities can develop unique learned behaviors passed from one generation to another, a form of culture in the wild. Uganda’s chimpanzees are found in several forest ecosystems and protected areas across the country including Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Bugoma Forest, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Check out @Lavender_Wild Wildography's #Leopard twins video! #TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRpp9yvt/

No tennis today then.

Just before Earth Day, I had the distinct honor of attending Dr Jane Goodall’s memorial service at St James Church in London’s Piccadilly Circus. I became even more in awe of her distinguished service to animals and people alike. But she always spoke of a higher spiritual being that made it possible for her to accomplish so much right until she left this world while on tour at the age of 91. The speeches from her family, Dr. Anthony Collins and Reverend Lucy Winkett were powerful and moving and it was special to celebrate Dr Jane Goodall’s life with my husband - Lawrence, friends and colleagues in conservation. I first met Dr Jane Goodall at one of her lectures in London when I was 23 years old. She inspired me and countless others to love the natural world; and encouraged and mentored me to become a Primatolgist, through my work as Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian and then setting up Conservation Through Public Health and Gorilla Conservation Coffee. I was elated when she wrote the forward for my memoir, Walking With Gorillas 🦍 So it was truly special when Dr Anthony Collins invited me to give a speech as one of her protégés at the reception after the service. I mentioned how my mother wanted to meet Jane and how delighted she was to receive an award from the Jane Goodall Institute for her role in empowering women in Uganda. May we continue their rich legacies.

Meet Bumpy! This enchanting little chap was rescued over the weekend. His mother likely died defending him in a territorial fight and when the Kenya Wildlife Service found him, he was huddled beside her body. They rescued him and placed him in our care. This was Bumpy's first night with us, snuggled next to Keeper Simon. Simon put his mattress on the ground and the tiny hippo nestled by his side, swaddled in his cherry blanket. After his fraught ordeal, he finally felt at peace and slept soundly in the crook of Simon's arm. Now, you can become part of Bumpy’s journey — read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/bumpy

My love for elephants runs deeper than words. The African elephant is a paradox I’ll never stop admiring, immense in size, yet impossibly gentle; powerful, yet choosing peace. Their memory is legendary, but it’s their presence that truly stays with you. For my people, they are more than wildlife, they are a symbol, a guide, a pathfinder. We followed their trails into Acholi land, trusting their wisdom, knowing that where elephants move, even predators think twice. So when I photograph them, it’s not just admiration—it’s connection. A story of where we come from, still walking beside us. 🐘 📸 @OumaJr256

About to play tennis, but I’m waiting for this little upside down idiot to finish stealing the bird food so I don’t disturb him.

Grrrr current vibe 😂 instagram.com/p/DXSjZULDAl_/…

Okavango Sea Lions instagram.com/p/DX6x9sJDJ7T/…

Human remains were discovered inside the intestines of a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, during a week-long search for a missing businessman. Authorities suspect the remains may belong to the man, whose Ford Ranger was earlier found trapped on a low-lying bridge in the river. A joint team involving SAPS Search and Rescue, NatJoint, SANParks, EMS, Securecon and the Port Management Committee identified the crocodile believed to have attacked the missing person. After obtaining permission, the animal was euthanised and the remains were recovered. DNA tests will now be conducted to confirm the identity. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the search teams for their dedication and bravery in difficult and dangerous conditions.

Happy #WorldLeopardDay shout out Murchison Falls National Park #ExploreUganda #VisitUganda

Tree climbing hyena spotted in the Masai Mara, Kenya shocks Italian wildographer instagram.com/p/DX1GwBHglli/…

Check out Wildography @Lavender_Wild Big #Caturday video! #TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRp18n42/

@PharmakonNFT GM

GM Alchemists 🧙🏻‍♂️⚗️

#WednesdayVibes à la conservative #wildographer @TheLifeOfMarcus Prints: shop.marcuswestberg.photo

Happy Wednesday 🤗 Half of the week is done are you happy? #Wednesdayvibes

@becoproart destroys with this hat-trick, good play brother, it's great to have you on the team 👻🧪