Blog — Destination: Wildlife™

Adorable but Harmful. What To Do With Nutria ?

The Big Bend National Park in Texas is a place of many surprises. Along its southern-most border, where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Rio Grande, a myriad of plant and animal, bird and fish species can be found, including some that are threatened or endangered. But there is one species doing especially well, and although it may be adorable, it is not welcome. Nutria were brought to this country for use in the fur trade, and abandoned to the wild when fashion taste changed. Today, they are a ravenous invasive species, chomping away at vegetation, destroying habitat and further stressing threatened and endangered native species. What to do with this new neighbor is becoming a nation-wide challenge.

10 Rare Birds Worth the Search in Surprising Namibia

Namibia is not only the perfect place for a Big-5 wildlife safari, it is also a fabulous place for birdwatching. Namibia is a land of contrasts and surprises, from the red sand deserts to the lush Caprivi Strip. These ecologically diverse areas provide habitat for over 670 different bird species, from raptor to waders, bee-eaters to larks with 14 near endemic species rarely found elsewhere. Come, discover the rare birds of Namibia!

Roberta KravetteAugust 7, 2019Namibia, Birdwatching Comments

11 Reasons Why Sea Turtles are Super Heroes

Sea Turtles are Super Heroes! These ancient marine animals are responsible for protecting everything from little fish to sea grass beds to coral reefs and the sand dunes that help to keep storm surge from washing our beaches and houses, away. Without sea turtles quietly doing their work, we humans could be in a lot of trouble. The trouble is sea turtle populations are shrinking. Here are 11 amazing facts about sea turtles you probably didn’t know, and a few reasons why you should care.

Roberta KravetteJune 11, 2019Sea Turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Sea TurtlesComment

Exposed! The Wild Heart of Vibrant Calgary.

When people visit big cities, wildlife is not usually on their “must-see” list, except, of course, if that city happens to be Calgary, Alberta. With over 8,000 hectars (19,768 acres) of preserved parkland sporting 905km (562 miles) of pathways to explore inside the city limits, Calgary, known for its old-west vibe (the annual Stampede is famous) and a vibrant cultural and restaurant scene, is proud of her natural spaces and considers them one of its top lifestyle features. Here, 1.3 million humans and abundant wildlife, including the coyotes, have found a way to thrive together. Whether you are a birdwatcher or favor the four legged residents, or just want enjoy nature’s peace, Calgary is for you. Wildlife photographer, Derek Foldeak takes us on a tour of three favorite wild places in his city’s heart.

Derek Foldeak June 5, 2019Canada, Calgary, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Comments

In Memorandum, Jim Fowler

On May 19th, we celebrated the life of Jim Fowler, one of the world’s most influential conservationists, at the Explorers Club, where he served many posts, including Honorary Chair and Honorary President.

Hordes of pajamaed kids, myself included, first “met” Jim Fowler on Wild Kingdom on Sunday night (1963-1988). For the vast majority of us, that half-hour every week was our first introduction to exotic animals in world’s we had never imagined. (Some of us also sneaked peaks while our parents watched his many visits to the Johnny Carson show. Don’t tell!) Decades later, untold numbers of us, inspired by Jim’s passion and humor, carry on his legacy working to protect and conserve and maybe, introduce a few more people to the wonders our amazing planet and wildlife, Leading the fight is Jim Fowler’s son, avid conservationist, Mark Fowler.

Roberta KravetteJune 5, 2019Jim Fowler, Mark FowlerComment

The Best Place on Earth to See Monarch Butterflies

A high mountain forest outside of Mexico City, Mexico is the site of one of the most amazing and beautiful migrations on earth, monarch butterflies. Each year millions of the orange and black butterflies find their way to the fir trees of Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site.) It will take 5 or more butterfly generations to complete one round-trip journey from their summer to their winter homes and back. Not a single butterfly will have a moment of previous experience. How is it possible? Team member Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven made the journey find out.

Jorn VangoidtsenhovenMay 23, 2019Monarch butterfly, mexico, Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, Vango PhotosComment

Migrants in Central Park, The Warblers Are Coming!

Spring is the time for migrants in Central Park. Tiny wood warblers, many of them Threatened or Endangered species, come by the hundreds migrating from their winter homes in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. They follow the ancient route we moderns now call the Atlantic Flyway. Central Park is a vital resting area for these migrating warblers and others, earning its designation as an Audubon IBA or Important Bird Area. Simultaneously, birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers from around the world also arrive in Manhattan. In early May, the Park becomes a month-long party of enthusiastic birders from casual observers to international experts, trading tips, sightings, and stories. Join the fun.

Inspired By Orphans, The Passionate Art of Saving Primates

Ape Action Africa in Cameroon is a sanctuary for rescued primates. Some have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, many from a fate as bushmeat still others were too young and small to be of value as either and were left to die in the bush were their mothers and sometimes families were killed.

Two of these infant primates, first a lowland gorilla and later a mustached guenon, were brought to tApe Action Africa, their arrival changed the life trajectory of two amazing women. Meet Rachel Hogan, director of Ape Action Africa and Robin Huffman, fine artist.

Sometimes it takes a whole world to create a village - or a sanctuary.

Roberta KravetteApril 23, 2019Cameroon, Primates, Ape Action Africa, Robin HuffmanComment

My Search for the Best Places for Grizzly Bears

Where can you find grizzly bears in North America? Wildlife photographer, Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, better known as Vango Photos takes us on a tour of the best places to find the big, brown bears. Starting in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, Jorn gives us tips on the best places to see and photograph the bears inside the Parks, as well as some of the challenges the species is facing. This is the first in a multi-part series.

Jorn VangoidtsenhovenMarch 31, 2019bear, Grizzly Bear, Yellowstone NP, Yellowstone, Gra, Grand Teton National ParkComment

How to Get Great Photographs of Butterflies

Taking great photographs of butterflies is not easy. The small, delicate creatures are constantly moving. So, what lens is best and what ISO? What’s the difference between Macro and Portrait photography? What time of day are butterflies at their most photogenic? And what about flash or speed flash? To get great photographs of butterflies you need patience and a steady hand, a couple of good lenses and the right settings help, too. Destination: Wildlife Team member and wildlife photographer, Robert Wallace shares some tips and secrets he has developed for taking beautiful buttery photography.

African Mind Games, Giraffes on the Horizon

Funny how the mind works. When a city person finds herself Africa, sometimes giraffes on the horizon can be mistaken for construction cranes. This is what I saw when a herd of giraffes appeared on a hill top in the middle of Namibia’s Etosha National Park.

Roberta KravetteFebruary 20, 2019African Safari, Namibia, GiraffeComment

New York WILD Film Festival 2019

I love the New York Wild Film Festival. The films inspire me. I come away from a weekend immersed in stories from all over the world about wildlife and nature and communities and individuals, with hope and excitement - and always new knowledge. This year the stories range from the blue sky, into the depths of the oceans and everywhere in-between. A feeling of empowerment weaves through the line-up this year. From an individual who units his community against the political corruption destroying its land; to students determined to clean a major river, with 1 billion oysters to a young man committed to igniting the next generation of conservationists - by remixing animal sounds (be prepared to want to dance!). And the list goes on. Don’t miss the inspiring and fun New York WILD Film Festival.

Roberta KravetteFebruary 2, 2019New York WILD Film Festival, Wildlife Film festival, Conservation Film FestivalComment