Change in the Delta

by Allison Duty (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find Botswana

“Over there- look!” Postarico whisper-shouted as he gestured with a chin lift over to our left. Pointing in that direction would have been risky for our guide- and for us. The lion we had been tracking for the better part of the afternoon had finally revealed herself in a small clearing of golden grass between dense brush and thick trees. Even without such an aggravating gesture, we had a big problem. When we spotted her, she also spotted us. And Sama was still sitting on the tracker jumpseat mounted on the front of the Land Cruiser. “One moment please,” Postarico politely yet worriedly warned as he turned the vehicle sharply and headed for the grove of Ebony and Mopane trees about 100 yards to our right. The moment we were out of sight from the lioness, Sama jumped off the tracker chair and clambered over the hood into the front passenger seat. After we all took a few deep breaths, Postarico drove back out of the trees to the clearing where she was still slowly padding her way through the tall grass looking to reunite with her sister. When the second lioness appeared, the two of them initiated a greeting ceremony. In a seemingly but not actually aggressive show, they bared their teeth and grumbled while standing on their hind legs, swatting at each other with massive paws and hugging each other with solid, muscular legs. I felt a deep sentiment of privilege at witnessing this instinctive ritual. The moment then grew even more extraordinary- the lionesses cautiously albeit willingly led us to the den where four cubs, each around three months of age, were eagerly awaiting their return. We took in everything about this magical moment with the cubs as they wrestled with one another, whimpered and begged for attention and milk, carefully crafted their little baby roars, fumbled around and tripped over fallen logs, practiced improving their pouncing skills, and gnawed carelessly on sage branches. While watching the lionesses, noble queens who clearly felt totally relaxed even with us sitting mere feet away from their frolicking cubs, not only did I feel a profound connection to nature, I also found an unexpected sense of hope about an optimistic future for our great earth and all of its wondrous creatures. As an avid follower of all things NatGeo, I was already well aware of the effects climate change was wreaking on the globe, especially the African continent. With Botswana and the Okavango Delta having been hit particularly hard by a variety of extreme, cyclical issues- drought, food shortages, rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, uncontrollable fires- these now napping lions reminded me that animals are masters of adaptability. They are much more apt to change their behaviors in order to survive, and they are much more adept at making effective changes than we humans tend to be. With what seemed like a complete lack of any pressing concerns whatsoever, despite having four tiny mouths to feed and raise, the lionesses, in that brief moment, taught us a considerable lesson in courage and humility. We may be the ones causing the colossal, comprehensive environmental problems, yet with a sound blend of pride and strength in the face of adversity, these lions could clearly coach us up on how to survive this difficult, nearly insurmountable stage in time; they could even show us a thing or two about how to thrive. Despite a crushing decline in the population of lions as well as a plethora of other equally majestic animals only found on the great lands of Africa, there are a myriad of spirited reasons for us to maintain our mission of reversing the effects of climate change with hope and positivity. Although we must also concurrently adopt a thorough understanding of the immediate urgency of opening our minds, broadening our perspectives, and listening to the voiceless around us. The animals are sending us messages. What exactly are they trying to say? The onus is on us to swiftly learn from them and to promptly change for the sake of us all.