Journeying into nature with deep reverence For the Love of Wildlife’s first Sacred Safari - May 2016

Journeying into nature with deep reverence

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King and Queen.

Sacred Safari – May 2016

We made a conscious choice to work in the world differently, to take courageous leaps of faith and enter into the unknown and then find valid support for our efforts: this is why we chose to offer our first deep nature immersion journey. To share another perspective on entering the natural world, on what our impact as humans has on the silent and magical animal and nature realms.

Our first group was small but we had decided from the outset that regardless of the number of participants it was important to lay the foundation for this work, for these Sacred Safaris.

On our first day we gathered our fellow journeymen in Johannesburg, giving our guests time to recover from their long flights.

Those that were up for it took an afternoon at the Origin Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand which has fascinating exhibitions covering the depth of Africa’s history and Bushman heritage and it’s devastation due to European settlement. There  are beautiful artworks, intriguing artefacts and archaeological finds.

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We set out on our journey beginning at the sacred site of Adam’s Calendar near the tiny town of Kaapsche Hoop in Mpumalanga Province. Older than time itself, this rocky wilderness is protected by herds of wild horses.

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We have a history of visiting this site and it’s not always been as clear energetically as it was when we entered on the dusk of our first day. Beautiful large dolmens and other huge rocks stand like keepers, emitting their own heartbeat, a pulse emitted from the central heart. To enter into this landscape is surreal, the strange rock formations coupled with surrounding pine forests and organic moonscape of rocks.

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Adam’s Calendar is dated anywhere from 35,000 to 72,000 years old and is reminiscent of something like Glastonbury, without the extensive tourism and policing. The rock formations line up with constellations, celestial and seasonal events. Some time back, a group had started illegal excavation on the site and the scars are still visible.  Metal stakes were put deep into the soil between dolmens and around to measure the stars, the moon and the sun’s alignment and the energetics of what lay beneath. It’s common knowledge that when flying over the site in a small aircraft the instrumentation can either drop out or go haywire.

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Our entry into this natural kingdom was guided by a local woman, Mary Ross, who knows the area extremely well and showed us other energetic power points and portals. We had very powerful meditations and openings, which set the magical, mystical tone for our journey.

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None of the wild horses came close that day but the funky little village had quite an array of animals – all very happy to come and say hi and spend time with us.

Boondocks was the next stop with a very beautiful welcoming at the gate by the owner. It’s like entering the underworld. A stunning landscape of wild African bush and mountains with the accommodation right in the centre of surrounding mountains, not far from the Mozambique border.

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A shower with a view!

The outlook is breathtaking and the outdoor shower has the most magnificent view over a vast valley alive with leopard, baboons and buffalo  – an absolute must! The incredible offering by Anne and Stewart, who have lovingly developed this retreat centre, in what they hold on this land is exquisite. The highlight is the labyrinth they built which is an exact version of the one at Chartres.

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Such an incredible honour to be able to walk this labyrinth.

To walk this labyrinth on the land, in the middle of a forest and stream creates such a fine frequency, a direct portal to the inner and outer worlds, held by tree guardians. Both mystical, mythical and magical. One must experience it to be able to truly understand what is offered to the world. We had a difficult time saying goodbye, knowing we had deepened and opened ourselves to the animal kingdom, having full permission to enter.  Stewart’s wonderful stories and heightened intuitive perspectives were valued insights, his stories around the night fire had us all captivated and we found our hearts yearning for more. What they’ve created is remarkable, mostly a sharing of love and a great gift to the world. A universal architect who’s left a stunning and beautiful legacy.

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All the crew with Stewart on the left and Anne on the right.

Entry into the Kruger National Park welcomed us with amazing animal sightings on the bridge before we even entered the Malelane Gate. A multitude of animals greeted us just before we entered the park – crocodiles, hippo, multiple birds – an absolute celebration of life!

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A rare baby grounded hornbill.

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This adult grounded horn bill was with two others and two babies.

Our drive in was purposeful as we wanted to get to our accommodation, the Rhino Post Lodge, in time for the evening game drive – we were all bursting with excitement. Seeing a group of rare Ground Hornbills was such a treat, they were curious and friendly, the young ones coming very close to our vehicles.

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Our first night out we were blessed to see many rhino but being a full moon knew that protection for these animals is always paramount. We pray for their protection and that the senseless and cruel killing stops.

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The drought in Kruger brings many animals to man-made waterholes and watching hippos trying to stuff themselves in to tiny water sources is heartbreaking, they are certainly suffering the most.  We had seen a leopard kill, visible up a tree so our driver was committed to getting a sighting. We had a quick glimpse but scared the leopard with our driver not quite as sensitive and aligned with our intention.

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This guy really loved the toning.

The next morning we where all wide eyed and bushy tailed and headed out layered in warm clothing to meet the cold African winter dawn. Our guide was once again committed to seeing the shy leopard of the night before and got a little frustrated when we asked him to stop the vehicle and allow us time to connect in and calm our intentions. When you head out with a mission to see “something”, or to tick off a list of animals you want to see, you carry with you the energy of the “hunt”. Animals sense this and are long gone before you have a chance of a sighting – they pick up on another “predator” in the field.

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A newborn close to camp.

With our intentions softened, our gratitude activated and hearts open we started again. And what did we see? A rare Black Sable. At first it was indisdinguishable, looking like a man bent over in deep thought but then we saw the enormous black horns. Pan? He had been lying down and when he arose he took our breath away: in the distance he looked like a Centaur, our Pan, a Black Sable! We all knew the significance, and the rarity of such a sighting and were so excited and blessed to see such a magnificent creature.

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Such a rare sighting of this magnificent black sable.

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Hippos having a terrible time during the drought in Kruger.

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Trying to squeeze into whatever water they can find.

 

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A hippo in a dam with water levels very low, terrapins sunning themselves on it’s back.

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And then nature blessed us with it all. A herd of elephants of all ages from babies to matriarchs walked by, surrounded us, on their way to the dam. Hippos, rhino, giraffe, and the list goes on to the place where we stop to watch hippos, looking skinny in diminishing levels of water, terrapins using them to sun themselves. And we look to our left – leopard. Sitting atop a termite mound. Calm, relaxed, stretched out – shimmering. The jewel of the animal kingdom. Such exquisite beauty. Stella shared that they are the Kings of medicine. Ancient, wise, shape-shifters. Their fluid bodies move in sensual caress of the earth, collecting knowledge.

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We had it all, our drives included two golden lions mating just a few metres from our vehicle, with several males on the periphery about to compete with the dominant male. The tiniest owls, the enormous eagles – Crowned and Battler, mighty seers of the wilderness.

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The king and queen, the mating pair.

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On guard as other males close in on his territory.

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This lion moving in to challenge the mating couple.

On a night drive we came across a young hyena looking over the edge of a bridge and on our arrival she walked off. We were out of our vehicle on the bridge, on our guides invitation, all lights turned off looking down on hundreds of fireflies dancing on the river bank when our driver put on his torch and was surprised to see the hyena back on the bridge, strolling closer and closer to check us out. What an extraordinary meeting! No fear from either the three of us left standing or the hyena (did I mention half the group had returned to the vehicle…) just a curious exchange. We heard hyena calls all night – beautiful sounds, the soprano of the bush veld and early before dawn, there was a group very close to camp.

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Stella and I had awoken early and were first to get to the viewing platform to see a very similar hyena (in age and size) in the middle of the river bed, standing observing us before slowly wandering off on the loose sand.

A few days in Kruger was such a blessing, a numinous experience. Entering the animal kingdom with deep respect and reverence, being open hearted, calm and in love with nature really does invite the magical and profound. We left seeing more lions – the King and Queen in loving embrace. A herd of dozens of buffalo sitting in circle on a sandy river bank with elephants surrounding them, trumpeting and dusting themselves, all having to co-exist with the critical amounts of water available.

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We were astonished to see yet another huge herd of elephants in another waterhole having the absolute time of their lives splashing and playing, trumpeting and snorting, bathing, rubbing, looking out for the babies, the youngsters slapping the water with their trunks in complete celebration. The joy in their expression was something stunning to witness knowing that we too felt that celebration in what was shared with us in Kruger.

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The interactions with nature have left us all dramatically changed. You cannot take those experiences as anything other than a blessing. Deeply grateful for nature’s generosity and compassion we continued to attempt to express our deep love for the creatures and each other as our time together strengthened and deepened.

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A herd of buffalo had formed a circle, laying on the sand and elephants walking past to access the water.

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An incredible sighting.

Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, was our next destination to rest for a day, take it easy and have a nurturing and soft time to ourselves. To catch our breaths and have a gentle weaving back into life outside of the magical field of Kruger.

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Bush buck on the water’s edge.

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Kudu.

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Baby croc only 12 inches long. Apparently he’s going to be moved away.

We spent a morning on the water of the huge dam with the boat completely to ourselves. We stayed quiet and witnessed creatures along the shoreline go about their daily business – bushbuck, kudu, crocodile, hippo, baboons. The true beauty of the canyon seen from the centre, looking up at the amazing rock faces, waterfalls and scenery.

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On our way back to the lodge we stopped at the waterfall for a quick (freezing cold) dip for the brave at heart. This location, part of a UNESCO protected biosphere is where “I’m a Celebrity, Australia” was filmed. To see how they’ve damaged the area, built huts, paths and bridges, dumped piles of river sand sand from another biosphere at the waterfall, a site many consider to be a sacred feminine place shows their absolute lack of regards or sensitivity to the protected area. Locals and tourists who come from all over the world to see this spectacular canyon are locked out for 4-5 months whilst they prep and film. You get a sense of how insensitive big business can be and how money speaks – isn’t it astonishing that this kind of thing can go on in a UNESCO designated biosphere?  I’m sure they justify their use by donating money to local charities and foundations with little understanding of what their impact actually is. When wealthy networks can buy off poorly managed parks boards and buy their way in, promising to leave the site in it’s original condition and doing nothing of the sort when they’ve finished filming has no integrity.

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Icy cold!

The next day we ventured to the tops of the Drakensburg Mountain Range visiting a view site overlooking the Three Rondavals, part of the magnificent massive rock formations. We looked down on the very water way we’d been on the day before where the Blyde River snakes through the canyon. Such a dramatic shift of perspective to be way up high! Ruth knew of the ancient altar on the site,  hidden from most tourists, an initiation site to some highly regarded African mystics. We spent time there meditating and realised that the top of the altar, eroded from years of wind and weather, looked so much like the landscape, mirroring the mountains, gorges and rivers. We ventured into a township for some shopping time for our guests and bought huge bags of avocado, passionfruit and mandarins for R100 (about $10 Aussie).

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Windy and cold on the edge!

Our final and finishing piece was the White Lion Protection Trust. Seeing the Royals was something else. These are two arresting white lionesses – Nebu and Zihra, who looked stunning in the morning light, sitting like sphinxes in the rising sun. Linda Tucker (CEO and founder) shared the genesis and reasons for the twenty year old project, not just the physical but the purpose of their work in many realms – the metaphysical and ecological. We were very grateful to her for joining our drives and sharing her wisdom, taking in the starry night sky and the drives around the dry, thorny bushland of Timbavati, which translates as “the place where the star lions came down”.

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The gorgeous George who’s working at GWLT after being an anti-poaching ranger.

We also witnessed the two tawny lionesses on another piece of White Lion Trust land who were in hunting mode. They are Cleopatra and Tswalu and worked in tandem, hunting kudu. This was an incredible event to watch – seeing them work in stealth, one going around whilst one held her ground and then struck from the opposite side. We didn’t stay to see the end as we didn’t want to disturb their hunt – it’s hard work,  but we passed the kudu as we drove along the road, feeling their heightened awareness, their wide eyed alertness, the adrenalin at being targeted and hunted by an apex predator. The balance and power of natural world.

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A view of the rustic accommodation at White Lion Trust. Lovely to sleep in round rooms.

We were truly blessed to have such wonderful participants who wanted the depth of experience and heightened sensitivity to nature and her creatures. Who willingly and courageously followed our guidance, who trusted us implicitly. To work with Stella Horgan and Ruth Underwood has been a dream, such remarkable women who hold such refined sensitivity but have enormous and courageous hearts, authentic and solid. To journey with them and trust the unfolding of that which we’ve laid out, to have the level of joy, brilliance, heightened intuition and guidance of nature and the exquisite gifts afforded us. We are all very excited to share this work with the world and are already making plans for next year!

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Thank you to the courageous pioneers who walked with us, the dear and loved friends who held us whilst unable to physically join us, to the spirit, elemental and animals worlds who loved us deeply and held us safe.

To offer this work is a dream come true and allows us to continue campaigning for the rights for our non-human friends. To co-exist on this living earth in respect and harmony, to create heaven on earth for all.

Global March for Lions - Melbourne 2016

Global March for Lions – Melbourne 2016

Gathering at Federation Square we marched to City Square with the fabulous Tracy Bartram chanting “ban canned hunting” “Global March for Lions” and then gathered for speeches. We are very excited to have Jason Wood MP, Bruce Poon (Animal Justice Party), Laurie Levy (Coalition Against Duck Shooters), Dr Lynn Johnson (Breaking the Brand) and Donalea Patman (Founder) as guest speakers.

A fantastic turnout despite it being a cold and dreary day, Tracy Bartram an absolute riot and had everyone in stitches even though the message for lions is a tragic one.

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So grateful for the incredible support and working together we raise awareness and educate the public about the issues of predators being bred for the bullet.

Many thanks Melbourne, you ROCK!

Last year we hosted a massive event at Federation Square to announce the global first with satellite connection to Ian Michler in Sth Africa who appeared on the big screen, Jason Wood MP and Donalea Patman were speakers and supported by Animal Justice Party, Holden and FOUR PAWS Australia.

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Environment Minister Greg Hunt announces the immediate ban on lion trophies and body parts, a global first.

Minister Greg Hunt announced that lion trophies and body parts would be banned from coming into Australia, a visionary and courageous stand against the cruel and barbaric industry of captive breeding and canned hunting. France followed our lead late last year with the US creating such strict import duties that hunters must prove that their hunt has been part of a conservation program approved by regulatory bodies.

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Photography Stephen Powell

This year we still march as the industry still continues to grow, Sth Africa refusing to act on the global outrage, PHASA and Predator Breeders in opposition about aligning with canned lion hunting. Recently the African Lion Working Group made a public statement saying that captive breeding and canned hunting has no conservation value as it doesn’t benefit wild lion populations.

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This year we also support Coalition Against Duck Shooting as their founder, Laurie Levy has been fined and banned from being on the wetlands this hunting season. We support his 30 years of campaigning to stop the brutal slaughter and wounding of Australia’s water birds and many endangered species that are also killed. Authorities prefer to support the less than 0.4% of Victorians who still wish to kill despite the public support for a complete ban.

For further details about the march:

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And we are very excited to host an exclusive screening of the full length cinema quality of Blood Lions at Cinema Nova in Lygon Street immediately following.

Click on the image to go direct to ticketing.

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Blood Lions Melbourne Screening

Blood Lions Australian Tour

Blood Lions Australian Tour

Blood Lions proudly partnered with us for the first international screening, choosing Australia first due to the recent ban on lion trophies. Australia has set the standard by responding to the cruel and barbaric industry of captive breeding and canned hunting by banning all lion imports.

NEW DATES FOR MELBOURNE

Exclusive screening after Global March for Lions – Melbourne on April 2, 2016 at Cinema Nova, Lygon Street, Carlton at 2.30pm.

Tickets: https://bloodlions.eventbrite.com.au/

Blood Lions premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in July to a sell out crowd (500 seats) receiving a standing ovation.
Pippa Hankinson (Producer) and Ian Michler (lead role) have worked for years creating this film, facing not only financial pressure, but putting their lives (and the film crew) at risk. The entire Blood Lions team were very excited after a nervous lead up, knowing that the explosive film would blow the lid off the industry. More recently, the film has been screened via PBS and shown on Discovery Channel throughout the world.

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The film crew on stage after the premier of Blood Lions.

The premier was attended by Botswana’s Environment Minister and his wife, and many other special guests including members of the IFP.

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Botswana Environment Minister, Hon Tshekedi Khama II and his wife with Donalea Patman.

At the second screening CEO and President of PHASA (Professional Hunters Assoc of Sth Africa) were in the audience and even with Ian Michler’s invitation, they didn’t engage in the Q&A. Ian made it known that Donalea was in the audience and what For the Love of Wildlife had achieved in Australia.

Immediately following, PHASA connected with the Blood Lions crew for intense discussion. A public statement about the need to address the concerns raised in the film in regard to lion hunting went out the following day. Ian expressed how it had been years of wanting to engage PHASA and now the film was now playing it’s part in initiating change.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Fremantle

The first screening in Australia was held at Luna on SX in Fremantle held on the 1st September and was a rush start due to Ian Michler’s plane being delayed – but we made it in the end! Pippa Hankinson (Producer) had to cancel last minute as contractual and legal commitment to getting the PBS deal in the US was imperative and required further work. She was very upset and not being at the first international screening and sent her sincere apologies and we certainly missed her!

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Melissa Parke MP, Donalea Patman and Ian Michler before the Fremantle screening.

Melissa Parke MP attended and participated in the Q&A, showing particular interest in addressing the lion bone trade through Asia. Katrina Love, Animal Justice Party and many others engaged enthusiastically with a few from the audience realising they had inadvertently participated in the industry. The expression people have when they realise that what they’ve done – thinking they were contributing to conservation to find out that they were part of the cycle of canned hunting.

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Very grateful to Charlotte and Cecil from Luna on SX who were incredible in sharing the film via their networks and really helped on the night.

Sydney

Screening was at UTS and after some initial technical difficulties, we had a brilliant night…thank you Bryan Seymour for stepping in when it counted most!

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Bryan Seymour, Channel 7 with Donalea Patman and Ian Michler.

 

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Ace Bourke with fans!

Ace Bourke (Christian the Lion fame), Bryan Seymour (Channel 7), relatives of both Ian Michler and Pippa Hankinson, Jeroen Van Kernebeek (FOUR PAWS), Jan McGlashan (who assisted Pippa with transcripts), Paul De Villiers amongst representatives from Greenpeace, Sydney Zoo, RSPCA, to name a few.  Very interesting panel discussion with Matthew Collis (IFAW) and Hon. Mark Pearson, Animal Justice Party.

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Hon Mark Pearson (Animal Justice Party), Ian Michler and Matthew Collis (IFAW).

Great to have so much support with some flying in from all over the country. Thank you to all who donated including Alison Lee Ruby who made it despite being unwell.

Melbourne

Melbourne was a cold and blustery night but still a fabulous turnout. Engaging in panel discussion was Bruce Poon, Vic Convenor Animal Justice Party and Nichola Donovan BA, LLB, LLM Animal Rights Lawyer.

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Ian Michler, Bruce Poon (Animal Justice Party VIC) and Nicola Donovan, Animal Rights Lawyer during the panel discussion.

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The crowd before screening at Melbourne University.

Phil and Trix Wollen (Kindness Trust), Sean Wilmore (The Thin Green Line), Edward Bourke (Saving the Lion), Laurie Levy (Coalition Against Duck Shooting) and many other friends and colleagues. Very generous donations from Michelle Webb, the Australian Sweet Company, Stephen Powell and Peloton Design.

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Laurie Levy (Coalition Against Duck Shooting), Sean Wilmore (The Thin Green Line), Donalea Patman and Ian Michler at the Melbourne screening.

Thanks to University of Melbourne Animal Protection Society and Human Rights & Animal Ethics Research Unit for their very generous help.

Parliament House, Canberra

Screening at Parliament was the highlight for Ian Michler with invited guests and an opportunity to thank Minister Hunt in person.

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Senator Lee Rhiannon with Minister Greg Hunt in discussion with Ian Michler and Donalea Patman.

Unfortunately Jason Wood MP was away overseas on business, leaving Senator Lee Rhiannon and her staff to host us, but a real delight to know that this issue has brought the Greens, Liberals and Labor together. Attended by members of parliament, Environment Department staff, Heather Neil (CEO, RSPCA) and many from Canberra office of the RSPCA, Roderick Campbell (author Ecolarge) and colleagues from Australia Institute, Matthew Colliss (IFAW) and many invited guests and colleagues.

Greg Hunt gave a heartfelt speech in the committee room before the screening which left both Donalea and Ian a little lost for words! Senator Rhiannon was also very kind with her introduction.

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We had a fun time getting through security with Ian not having any ID and having to google him on a smartphone to show security who he was (who doesn’t travel with a drivers license!!!)

Before the screening a quick interview on ABC Radio with Ian discussing issues on air with hunters, who after he presented the facts, the hunters backed down and agreed with Ian.

Members of the Shooters & Fishers Party, Senator David Leyonhjelm and heads of hunting groups were invited as guests to attend screenings. Senator Leyonhjelm responded that we should see his talk on canned hunting that he presented to the Senate on 12 August – we told him we had and that’s why he was invited (failed to present any facts), his was response was that we were “silly”.  No other replies. 

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Melissa Parke MP after the Parliamentary screening with Economist Roderick Campbell, Ian Michler and Donalea Patman.

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A very special thanks to Claire and Nathan of Marini Ferlazzo who donated White Lioness artwork to be auctioned at each event and one which was gifted to Minister Hunt. To Kym Illman who offered generous discounts for his new photography book and donated a book for the Perth event. Donna and her mum from The Australian Sweet Co for donating black aniseed balls. To all of you who have assisted in anyway whether that be helping sell merchandise at screenings, spreading the word, posting on social media, handing out flyers, for keeping us sane!!! Deeply appreciate the love and support and together we will get this industry banned.

White Lioness

White Lioness by Nathan Ferlazzo

African Tour May 2016

African Tour May 2016

For the Love of Wildlife invites you on an African expedition to invigorate your relationship with the living earth and your wild soul.

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The ancient stones of Adam’s Calendar

Our 12 day South African journey embarks from Johannesburg to the rolling hills of Mpumalanga Province and Adam’s Calendar, a 35,000 year old site marked by monolithic rocks aligned to the stars and guarded by free roaming wild horses. Here we prepare for entry into the animal and natural kingdom.

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What makes this Conscious Safari different from others tours is our approach to and experience in nature. We believe in deep immersion and even deeper respect, that as we are humble nature reveals herself. This is not about watching wildlife through the lens of a camera, or from afar: we want you to feel her under your skin. To experience the subtleties and patterns, to be a sacred witness to whatever is revealed, to be absolutely, exhilaratingly present.

We are concerned about the plight of the natural world, hence our activist work: given all of our brilliant human talents and sense of superiority as a species we have destroyed key aspects of the very earth that supports us. We believe that it is time to engage our full capacity as humans and fire our passionate hearts for the living earth. We also seek to extend our activism to joyfulness rather than devastation, and to claim a sense of power from our vulnerable and authentic selves to slip into delight and wonder at our world.

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Our wish for you, our guest, is that you leave the safari with a profound and vivid connection to nature and a deepened connection to your authentic, wise self that enables expression and a joyful, courageous relationship with life.

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This magical tour provides an opportunity to experience the unbridled power, generosity and wisdom of wildlife, the wildness that opens our hearts with its vulnerability and mystery. We journey quietly with our hearts open to listen to and witness the animals and nature, to receive what is offered to us.

Our journey takes us to the Kruger National Park, a nature reserve bigger than the country of Israel, home to herds of dozens of elephants and all the iconic animals of the pristine indigenous African bush. This is where we will work with interspecies communication and bird language tools, deep passions of all facilitators.

From Kruger we travel to the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon in Limpopo Province, the northern ranges of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains, a primal, powerful world of rivers, awe inspiring peaks and magnificent scenery and bird life.

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Our expedition concludes in the world famous wilderness of Timbavati at the Global White Lion Protection Trust, home of the iconic and sacred White Lions. A highlight of our journey (after our solid preparation) will be spending time with the white lions of Timbavati at the Global White Lion Protection Trust, which is not open to the general public.

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These incredible beings are considered sacred by many cultures and holy people and present astonishing, unique encounters. Many indigenous people believe that the arrival of the white animals is significant and prophetic. Being on the sacred heartland of Tsau in Timbavati, the ancestral homeland of the white lion is a compelling and a once in a lifetime experience, made possible by sacred activists Linda Tucker, who was given the mantle Keeper of the White Lions by Shangaan Lion Queen Maria Khosa, and Jason Turner, lion ecologist who have both dedicated their lives to protecting these endangered animals.

Proceeds of this expedition go to fund For the Love of Wildlife’s work, the non profit organisation responsible for the Australian government’s decision to ban the importation of lion trophies and body parts, in a bid to stem traffic in endangered species and to bring an end to canned hunting, as told by the film Blood Lions which FLOW partnered in.  Donalea Patman is the founder and director of FLOW, one the leading sacred activists in the world.

Tour begins 18 May, 2016. 

Early bird discount applies for bookings confirmed before end of February. 

Group numbers are limited to maintain the integrity and quality of the experience. 

For further information, pricing and itinerary please contact us fortheloveofwildlife@gmail.com

Itinerary and pricing

 

Facilitators

Dlea for Web

Donalea Patman

Having travelled throughout her life the most defining and memorable moments have always involved animals. A passionate advocate for sentient beings, she has always held a deep love of nature.

A lifetime interest and study of personal development and spirituality lead to her involvement in Sacred Activism. Donalea launched For the Love of Wildlife to create a professional platform to campaign the plight of animals in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, raising awareness of the destructive forces annihilating the natural world. Her fascination with interspecies communication has lead her to participate in workshops with Anna Breytenbach, Alwyn Myberg, Craig Foster and most recently Jon Young, 8 Shields.

 

Stella Pilot

Stella Horgan is a lifelong traveller and lover of wilderness who came home to her native South Africa in 2011 after twelve years in Australia, where she ran a private practice specialising in coaching, psychotherapy, workshop facilitation and project management.

In 2013 she established NPO Zingela Ulwazi – Hunt for Wisdom, whose mission is to deliver critical information to rural South Africans with the objective to improve lives and custodianship of nature and wilderness. Stella lives in the Blyde River Canyon and is entirely in love with nature and committed to reclaiming land for wilderness. She is a meditator, mystic, artist and sacred activist.

 

 

Ruth Underwood

Ruth Underwood  is a mystic, spiritual teacher and retreat facilitator who spent her early years living in mostly rural settings in Uganda and South Africa where her deep sense of connection to the soul of Africa was formed. She has spent most of her career working with non-profits in South Africa, and leads sacred retreats in South Africa,  Egypt and India.  Ruth has a particular connection with the Nilotic meridian and all the sites along it, and on these retreats, shares her love for the heart of Mother Africa and her mysteries.

See www.mysticalplaces.org

AUSTRALIANS

To book your flights, travel insurance (compulsory), additional accommodation, stopovers or any other pre or post FLOW program travel, our recommended travel agent is Cassandra at Better World Travel. Not only can she take the stress out of your trip planning, but Cassandra has also offered to donate 5% of the cost of your travel insurance policy to FLOW.

Contact details are:

Cassandra Newbold, Specialist Ethical Travel Consultant
0449 234 074

bwt@easternhilltravel.com.au

http://www.betterworldtravel.com.au

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Blood Lions – Australian Tour

Ian Michler, lead role, conservationist and investigative journalist was in Australia to attend the screenings of Blood Lion, the first international tour. First in Fremantle, then Sydney, Melbourne and finishing at Parliament House in Canberra.

Ian attended each screening hosting Q&A / panel discussion with Donalea Patman and guests. Fremantle was proud to invite Melissa Parke MP and also attending was Katrina Love, Animal Justice Party Western Australia.

Sydney was attended by Matthew Collis, IFAW and the Hon Mark Pearson MLC, Animal Justice Party who were incredible in the Q&A with Ian Michler. Although we had technical difficulties to begin, the night was fabulous with Ace Bourke (Christian the Lion fame), Jeroen Van Kernebeek, Australian Director of FOUR PAWS, Bryan Seymour, Channel 7 and other wonderful guests.

A very cold night in Melbourne didn’t stop the crowds with Nichola Donovan, President Lawyers for Animals and Bruce Poon, Vic Convenor Animal Justice Party with Ian Michler on the panel. Also present Sean Wilmore, The Thin Green Line, Laurie Levy, Coalition Against Duck Hunting, Trix and Phil Wollen, Kindness Trust, Edward Bourke, Saving the Lion Foundation.

Parliamentary screening was hosted by Senator Lee Rhiannon and her fabulous staff and attended by Minister Greg Hunt. The screening was held in the Main Committee Room and prominent organisations attended.

Bryan Seymour, Channel 7 News – 9 September 2015

ABC Breakfast News – 7 September 2015

Radio National – 4 September 2015

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Environment Minister, Greg Hunt announces an immediate ban on lion imports.

Friday 13 March Environment Minister, Greg Hunt announces immediate ban on the importation of lion trophies and body parts. This announcement is a world first as a response to the barbaric and cruel industry of canned hunting.

The announcement was celebrated at Federation Square at the Global March for Lions, with a live cross to Ian Michler in Cape Town to mark this historic moment. Ian was very emotional at the news and will be taking the news to the EU Parliament where he’ll be briefing lawmakers and politicians on Monday 16 March.

This is a positive step and welcomed incentive for the rest of the world to follow Australia’s lead.

Jason Wood MP has been fierce with this initiative and must be applauded for his tenacity. Both Greg Hunt and Jason Wood should feel very proud of this courageous and visionary step in protecting Panthera Leo.

 

http://www.peterborchert.com/australia-says-no-to-cruel-and-barbaric-canned-lion-hunting/

 

Bryan Seymour, Channel 7 News aired this story on the announcement by Minister Hunt throughout Australia.

Channel 7 News

Jason Wood presents in Federation Chamber, February 2015.

On the 9th February, 2015 Jason Wood tables a private members business motion in Parliament where ten speakers took the floor. Nine of the ten speakers were in support of Mr Wood’s motion, only one opposed.

Hansard link for more details:  Hansard 9 Feb 2015

 

Greg Hunt & Team

 

Ian Michler, conservationist and international speaker was brought to Australia by For the Love of Wildlife in association with Regulus Vision, South Africa and assisted by IFAW. Ian briefed our Environment Minister, Greg Hunt in a meeting at Parliament on October 1 with Jason Wood MP, Donalea Patman, Roderick Campbell (Economist, Australia Institute) and attending staff. Minister Hunt was very positive about Australia’s position on the importation of trophies and body parts with a position to be made by the end of the year.

Whilst in Australia, Ian was interviewed by various media agencies (following) with fabulous coverage by Bryan Seymour, Channel 7 News.

Today Tonight

Channel 7 News

Bush Telegraph, Radio National, ABC

Ian & Ministers

 

Jason Wood

Trophy hunters banned from bringing home rhino parts as MP Jason Wood fights ‘barbaric’ canned hunting

Jason Wood MP fights barbaric canned hunting

Environment Minister Greg Hunt to push for ban on Australians taking part in ‘canned hunts’

ABC News, by political reporter Latika Bourke

 

Berwick MP’s petition aims to stop importation of slaughtered South African animals

Story by BRITTANY SHANAHAN, BERWICK LEADER, JULY 04, 2014 2:10PM

 

International Fund for Animal Welfare

By Isabel McCrea, 7th July 2014

 

Jason Wood’s Parliamentary Speech

Parliamentary Speech 27 May 2014

Global March for Lions

Global March for Lions

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Friday 13th really was “lucky for lions, unlucky for hunters” where the Global March for Lions in Melbourne had a brilliant turnout awaiting the anticipated announcement by Environment Minister, Greg Hunt.

For the Love of Wildlife hosted the event at Federation Square in the centre of Melbourne which was abuzz with activity. Not only could you hear the background noise of Formula One racing due to the Grand Prix but Shabba and his band entertained the crowd with African music and dancing for an hour leading into the main event and it was a beautiful clear evening.

The founder of For the Love of Wildlife, Donalea Patman (also Australian Rep for CACH) present her speech first to then cross live to Ian Michler in Cape Town where Minister Hunt announced, via the big screen a global first, that Australia would ban the import and export of lion trophies and body parts. Very emotional and heartfelt with Jason Wood MP being the fierce politician who’s tenacity and commitment saw this through to the end.

Ian had been in Australia in October the previous year to brief the Minister in Parliament alongside Economist, Roderick Campbell and Donalea to reveal the truth about the hunting industry and ask for Australia’s assistance in taking a stand against the cruel and barbaric industry of canned hunting and captive breeding.

This has been a very long campaign by many groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring awareness and action in stopping this hideous industry. Very special thanks to Bev Pervan and Chris Mercer who have created a global movement with the Global March for Lions and CACH.

A very proud moment for all involved…may the domino effect take place with the rest of the world to follow suit. We know that the European Parliament will be briefed week beginning 16 March by stakeholders around the world, advising 28 countries about the cruel and barbaric practise.

 

 

If you wish to have high resolution or print quality of the following brochure just email us at fortheloveofwildlife@gmail.com

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Global March for Lions 2014

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Earlier this year 62 cities participated in the Global March for Lions which was organised by Chris Mercer and Bev Pervan of Campaign Against Canned Hunting, South Africa.

CACH Logo

http://www.cannedlion.org/

Thousands across the globe gathered to march to show lions need protection. Poaching and canned hunting have had a severe effect on wild lion populations with many suggesting that they could be extinct, in the wild, within the next 15 years.

Here’s a video of the Melbourne March in which we estimate around 300 or more wonderful lionhearted people attended. The March in Melbourne began with a blessing from Tanishka to go forward with our hearts and not our anger. African drummers drummed our journey from Parliament House to City Square, with a very upbeat crowd. At City Square the speeches were started with JM opening the day, Rheya Linda (Wildlife representative of Animals Australia, Bruce Poon (Victorian Head of Animal Justice Party), our Founder, Donalea Patman and lastly, Jason Wood MP. Some wonderful talent sang us through the afternoon…a new and improvised version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was almost as funny as this clip!!!

The Lion Sleeps

Although it looked like rain, other than a few spots we had a wonderful event.

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many volunteers and suporters. Viv and John Benton (Benton Productions), Seven Senses Consulting, Voiceovers 4 Charity, Coates Hire (Richmond) and so many, many more.

In Australia it was held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in March 2014. Will keep you updated as to the next Global March.

Thank you to John Sullivan for the following video: Global March Melbourne, March 2014

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An interview with Chris Mercer, Director of the Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH) and the Global March for Lions. Video by Trevor and Susan Barrett.

Wonderful community support with Bell Real Estate, Olinda putting a massive sign up in Mount Dandenong with the generosity of Mount Dandenong Vet Clinic allowing it at the front of their clinic.

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Cafe Beaumarchais in Sassafras helped with marketing and getting the word out as did Organic Fanatic, Mount Dandenong.

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Organic Fanatic

 

Radio ads were generously created by Vanessa Wilde, Voiceovers 4 Charity.

V4C Logo

http://www.voiceovers4charity.com/

Featuring the voice of John Benton, Australian actor who’s appeared in movies including The Castle and many television productions.

30 Sec Commercial

 

 

45 Sec Commercial

 

BREAKING NEWS

Ian Michler in Australia

Ian Channel 7

Ian Michler briefed Minister Hunt on October 1 to discuss the cruel and barbaric industry of captive bred and canned hunting and how Australia is directly involved. Ian had recently returned from Switzerland and Finland where he had briefed lawmakers, NGO’s, media, politicians and the public about the same issues.

Also attending the meeting Jason Wood MP, Stephen Hartney, Roderick Campbell (Economist, Australia Institute), our Founder, Donalea Patman and Minister Hunt’s staff. The meeting was very intense and fast with Ian sharing the statistics of captive breeding and the “spin” hunters are using to con in the name of conservation. Roderick Campbell then briefed everyone with the economics around hunting and the true revenue, stating the Govt’s position is focussed and effective and a positive decision moving forward.

The Govt was also advised of how Australian volunteers and gap year students are being lured into these unscrupulous businesses believing they are participating in conservation work, learning little from the experience other than baby lions are cute to handle! Once lions have been habituated there is never an opportunity for them to be released into the wild, and if they’ve been bred in these death camps, they are usually genetically impaired which again proves there is absolutely no conservation value. Breeding wild at heart animals to live a life in captivity is cruel, often the environments so appalling and overcrowded. Ian also used the analogy that if there was true conservation work being done then why aren’t they breeding the rare Wild Dog or Ethiopian Wolf who’s numbers are critical? These reserves are breeding purely for the bullet.

IMG_0073 Ian Michler

One of the surprising results from the Govt’s investigations is that approximately 144 lion trophies and body parts have been brought into Australia since 2010.

Minister Hunt has pledged to have a result on the banning of lion by the end of the year, delighted at the response from stakeholders around the world in the recent call for submissions.

 

IMG_0335 Ian Michler

 

Canned Hunting

Canned Hunting

The act of hunting a confined animal that has been raised in captivity and humanised.

The horrid industry of canned hunting is where an animal has been bred specifically for hunting and is unfairly prevented from escaping the hunter, either by physical constraints (fencing) or mental (tame, habituated to humans).

Canned Hunt 1

There are fewer than 4,000 lions left in the wild in South Africa, but more than 8,000 in captivity, being bred for the bullet or the arrow. These animals are destined to be trophies, therefore it is imperative that the head to kept in perfect condition. A quick kill by a head shot now becomes a body shot, taking up to a dozen bullets to kill a lion or a slow death by arrow, either way piercing a major organ can never be guaranteed.

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Lion farming and poaching are serious threats to wild lion prides for a number of reasons:

  • The ongoing capture of wild lions for the purpose of introducing fresh blood into captive breeding negatively affects the wild population.
  • The canned hunting industry attracts high fee paying clients for the opportunity to kill captured, drugged, confined and humanized animals.
  • The explosive growth of the Asian lion bone trade through poaching.
  • Volunteers inadvertently support the industry by being deceptively conned in the name of conservation. They are led to believe that they are helping orphaned cubs that are being raised to return to the wild… animals that have been humanized can never return to the wild.
  • Volunteers do not work at these reserves for free – the fee is high and it makes this industry very lucrative.
  • Poverty – the local Africans are too easily persuaded by money to poach animals for the lion farming or international trade in parts.

Canned Hunt Baby 1

In Australia, Jason Wood MP has tabled the issue of canned hunting and wildlife trafficking in Parliament. No matter your political persuasion, it’s imperative that this is strongly supported so our wildlife has a chance. Please take the time to sign this petition.

Jason Wood Speech

http://jasonwood.com.au/issues/canned-hunting/stopcannedhuntingnow/

For more detailed information about canned hunting please visit Campaign Against Canned Hunting, South Africa.

http://www.cannedlion.org/

Interspecies Communication

Interspecies Communication

Anna Breytenbach is interviewed on O World Project where she talks about how humans are suffering from a separation sickness from Nature and all life on earth. Her amazing clarity of communication and how she expresses the quantum capacity we all have to reconnect if only we would take the time to sit and truly listen. Insightful and simple in connecting with animals and nature as we all have the capacity it’s just that we’ve become too busy of mind.

 

This pic below was taken whilst a group was finishing a meditation and in circle had been toning. In the middle of the afternoon a shy sea otter came out of the waves to see what was going on believing that it was something behind, as this was not normal human behaviour.

 

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There are so many ways you can have a relationship with animals. In this video Anna shows us, that with quiet connection to the animals, we all have the ability to communicate. If we are to live harmoniously on the earth together, we need to access other ways of being. In our hurried, technological world we don’t take time to be and feel our feet on the earth.

Anna talks to Spirit, the black leopard.