Amy Ames - Lessons from Africa: Witnessing Conservation in Action
/Photographer Amy Ames wrote a lovely writeup about her travels with AKTF. Find her work at amyamesphotography.com and read about what she experienced in her own words below.
I went to Africa with high hopes, and somehow, it exceeded every one of them. The photography was incredible—golden light stretching endlessly, beautiful base camps, and wildlife encounters I had dreamed of for years. Every day brought something new: lions moving through the grass at sunrise, elephants crossing the plains in silence, and birds more vibrant and alive than anything I had ever seen. It was everything I had hoped for and more.
What I didn’t expect—what I never could have planned for—was stepping beyond the role of observer and into something far more meaningful. We found ourselves in the middle of an elephant rescue, working alongside Anne K. Taylor, witnessing firsthand the quiet, relentless work being done to protect the very animals we had come so far to see. In that moment, Africa became more than a destination—it became a place of purpose, and a story much bigger than photography alone.
Anne K. Taylor is one of the people on the front lines of that story. Through her foundation, she has dedicated her life to protecting wildlife, rescuing injured animals, and supporting the communities that live alongside them. Her work extends far beyond conservation—it’s about coexistence, education, and creating a future where both wildlife and people can thrive. During our time there, we didn’t just hear about her work—we witnessed it. We followed her into the field, watched her coordinate rescue efforts, and saw the deep trust and respect she has built with her team and the local community. It was humbling to see how much of herself she has given to this mission, and it changed the way I will forever see the images I bring home.
On the second leg of our journey, we were picked up at the Masai Mara airstrip by our guide—and Anne. Her entire team was there to greet us, and what a greeting it was. You could feel the energy and purpose immediately. Anne shared that they had received reports of a young elephant with injuries, and her team was preparing to head out to locate the herd. Their plan was to carefully dart the calf and it’s mom so the veterinarian could safely examine it and determine what could be done to help. Then she asked us a question I will never forget: did we want to come along?
Of course we did.
Without hesitation, we climbed into the vehicles and headed straight into the field, our gear still packed and camp still waiting. Whatever expectations I had for that day disappeared in that moment. This was no longer just about photography.
The rescue would take hours, unfolding slowly and carefully. For the calf to be treated safely, the mother was darted first—a necessary step to prevent her from instinctively defending her baby. Even knowing it was for her protection, watching her go down was emotional. Moments later, the calf was darted as well. After a brief, unsteady struggle, she collapsed into the grass, and the veterinarian moved in immediately. His team worked with calm precision, assessing the injury and doing everything they could. They drained the infected wound, flushed it thoroughly, and administered strong antibiotics to fight the infection. Every movement was deliberate. Every second mattered. Later, we learned the injury was likely caused by a poacher’s arrow—a painful reminder of the threats these animals face simply to exist in the wild.
But the rescue wasn’t over yet. One of the most critical moments was still ahead—reuniting the calf with her mother. As the reversal drugs began to take effect, the mother was the first to rise. Slowly, she found her footing, disoriented and unsure, and began to walk—but in the wrong direction. You could feel the collective tension ripple through everyone present. Her calf was still lying in the grass behind us, vulnerable and alone. We waited, hoping instinct would guide her back, but minutes stretched into an hour. Everyone was speechless, watching, willing her to turn around. It was hard not to feel helpless in that space between intervention and trust in the wild. And then, finally, she did.
We had to move on to another rescue before seeing the full reunion, trusting that the same care and dedication we had witnessed would carry this rescue through to its end. It was a reminder that this was not a single, isolated event—it was just one of many. The need is constant. And Anne and her team show up, again and again, doing the quiet, urgent work of protecting animals that cannot protect themselves.
A few days later, Anne invited us to visit another side of her work—one that extended beyond wildlife and into the heart of the local community. She brought us to a school she established and has funded for the past many years, creating opportunities for children who otherwise might never have had access to education. As we arrived, we were greeted with singing, dancing, and smiles so genuine they needed no translation. It was immediately clear that Anne’s impact reaches far beyond rescue efforts in the field. Her commitment is rooted in something deeper—supporting the people who share this land with wildlife and helping build a future where both can thrive.
You can read more about the work she does in the schools and throughout the community here: https://www.annektaylorfund.org/the-country-annex
One of the moments that stayed with me most happened quietly inside one of the classrooms. A young girl approached Anne and shyly asked if she could have her photo taken with her. There was a gentle pride in her smile, and soon we learned why—she had been named after Anne. It was such a simple moment, but it spoke volumes. Anne is a force to be reckoned with—unstoppable in her commitment to protecting wildlife and uplifting the communities around it—and seeing a child carry her name was a living reflection of that impact. Her work has created opportunities, hope, and a future for children who now carry her legacy forward in ways both big and small.
This was more than a photography trip—it was a reminder of what it truly means to protect the wild. It reminded me that while photography allows us to witness the beauty of these places, there are people like Anne and her team who dedicate their lives to protecting them. Their work is constant, urgent, and deeply needed. I would love to support Anne K. Taylor and the incredible mission of the Anne K. Taylor Fund, and I am inviting you to join me. For those who would like to contribute, I will be offering a small token of my gratitude. For a donation of $100, I will send you a set of notecards featuring six of my favorite images from this trip. For a donation of $200, I will send you a print of one of my favorite giraffe images, captured in the golden light of the Mara. You may send your donation via Venmo to Amy-Ames-2, (I will mail her one big check) or you can mail a tax deductible check directly to the Anne K. Taylor Fund at the address below. (Please send me a photo of your check so I can send gifts your way) Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that rescues continue, communities are supported, and wildlife has a future. Thank you for being part of this story, and for helping protect the wild places and animals we all love.
Anne K. Taylor Fund (501c3)
2724 Arvin Road
Billings, Montana 59102
Phone: (406) 294-9430
Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for caring about these wild places and the animals that call them home. Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this story, or simply following along—means more than you know. It allows people like Anne and her team to continue their critical work, showing up day after day to protect, rescue, and give these animals a future. I am deeply grateful to have witnessed it, and even more grateful to be part of a community that believes in protecting what cannot speak for itself. Thank you for being here, for believing in this mission, and for helping ensure that the wild endures for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Amy
Thank you Amy for the incredible write up. Visit her site and see her amazing work here: https://amyamesphotography.com/
