POEM by IAN McCALLUM | IMAGES by JONATHAN MORGAN
In the tracks of giants
To walk in the wake of elephants,
to be small in a world of giants
to learn the spoor of silence,
and the deep rumbling eloquence
of kin.
To move in the skin of elephants,
to feel the alliance of sand,
the contours of land
and the far reaching pull
of water.
To be alive to the sway of elephants,
to remember the songs of seasons,
the ancient lines of migrations,
and loosen your reasons
for fences
To wake up to the web of intelligence,
to the wild origins of sentience,
to find your voice and raise it,
that others may raise theirs’
for elephants.
In 2012, under the auspices of the Wilderness Foundation Ian McCallum and Ian Michler (INVENT AFRICA) undertook and successfully completed a six month coast-to-coast journey across southern African countries linking major conservation areas. Following historical elephant migration paths, the entire journey was undertaken by foot, mountain bikes and kayak [Okavango Delta and Zambezi River].
Tracks of Giants from Green Renaissance
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the project was to raise awareness and explore possible solutions to current environmental and wildlife challenges:
- Human-animal interface – Elephants and interactions
- Habitat fragmentation and corridor conservation
- Diminishing wilderness areas
- Loss of indigenous knowledge
- Leadership and conservation issues
The 5000 kilometer journey included stages across designated conservation areas in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa.
Find out more here: Tracks of GIANTS Expedition
Ian McCallum is a medical doctor, analytical psychologist and psychiatrist. He is a specialist wilderness guide, an author and poet as well as a director of the Wilderness Foundation. Ian is also a former rugby Springbok and vice captain (1970-74).
