Spotted Hyena Cub In Awash, Ethiopia.

While I was in Awash, Ethiopia, I sat on a hillside for a long time, hoping to take photos of hyena cubs. The perfect moment came as this cub emerged from his den. Another one of my dreams becoming reality.

Simen Mountains In Ethiopia

Tseja was our scout while trekking in the Simien Mountains. He was great company. It's awesome to make new friends here in Ethiopia. The Simien Mountains is home to the Ethiopian wolf, lion, leopard, Geladan mountain monkey,  the walia ibex, and many other animals. I love these highlands, and hope to visit again soon.

An African Sunrise in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Simien Lodge

This Lodge in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia is a great place. The views and landscapes here are incredible.

The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

This local coffee place in Addis Ababa is incredible. The coffee here is like no other place in the world.

Gelada Mountain Monkeys

I was able to get close enough to take a photo of this Gelada male. These monkeys make approximately 32 different sounds and calls to communicate- more than any other non-human primate.

Gelada Mountain Monkeys in the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia

One of my greatest experiences has been observing the Gelada monkeys. They have a diversity of complex social behavior patterns.

Timkat celebration

I was fortunate to be in Gondar, Ethiopia during the Timkat (Epiphany) celebration. It was very exciting.

Awash, Ethiopia

I met the Oromo people in Awash. They were very kind and friendly.

Hamadryas Baboons in Awash National Park- Ethiopia

Another experience checked off in my bucket list- Observing wild Hamadryas Baboons in Africa. I was astounded the other day when I saw hundreds of baboons on the side of the cliff. As an animal trainer, I have been around these amazing creatures, but always wanted to see them in their natural habitat. Baboons are a patriarchal society. The social units are divided into harems, units, and bands (Awash National Park- Ethiopia)

African Wart Hog

I stopped dead in my tracks yesterday when I saw this African Wart Hog in Awash National Park in Ethiopia. Male this size have been known to drive away adult lions who try to hunt them.

Male Ostrich at Awash Falls Lodge- Ethiopia

I am staying at the Awash Falls Lodge, and they have two amazing young Ostriches here. The National Park is home to approximately 474 species of birds.

Wild Hyenas In Awash National Park, Ethiopia

I arrived here safely in Addis, Ababa and traveled to Awash, which is located in the central-east part of the country. I was able to observe a pack of hyenas with their young at the Fentale Caves. This was a dream come true for me. Hyena packs are a matriarchal society, and females are born with a high level of testosterone. I found the mothers to be very caring and attentive of their young.

A Black Leopard Cub That I Helped To Raise

Don't try this at home.....or work. Leopards are really dangerous. Even as a cub, this female was showing signs of aggression and testing us.

Dakota Playing With Water

Dakota is one of the tigers I have worked with, and he loves playing with water.

Endangered Ethiopian Elephants

Dr. Yirmed Demeke has dedicated his work to protecting the Ethiopian Elephant. This is a great article about his conservation strategies. I will be meeting with him when I go to Ethiopia. 

http://ethiopianelephants.wildlifedirect.org

I Licensed This Kenyan Hip Hop Track To Universal Pictures.

V6 tarua

Dexter Having Fun In The Yard

Dana and Penelope

My chickens have so much personality. They follow me everywhere I go in the backyard and actually like to be held.

White Tigers

Here is one of the white tigers I have worked with. I just fed him his food, and he is very possessive over his meal. They are always aggressive while eating.