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I am now back in the UK, having been away in Africa for almost 5 months. It was amazing seeing my family again especially Jeff & Nicola my nephew and niece. Nothing like a Big Hug 😍 from them to Warm the Heart and Wet the eyes!

It’s bloomin’ Freezing ❄️ but a nice change from the intense heat of Africa, good to have the cool air on my burnt skin.

My Friend Cosmas! 

Luckily my return coincided with the TUSK Award ceremony.  You may remember from my September Blog that Sue (my sister) nominated Cosmas Mumba for the 2015 Tusk Conservation Award in recognition of his extraordinary work in remote parts of the Zambian bush.  Cosmas has devoted the past 13 years to ZPP (Zambian Primate Project) and under his leadership over 500 yellow baboons and vervet monkeys, have been rescued from the most harrowing conditions and then given a second chance at life back in the wild.

It’s an extremely prestigious award and he was one of only 3 finalists in his category being Conservation in Africa!!  I was privileged enough to spend 3 months with Cosmas, shadowing the work he does and we became really good mates.

Sue hosted a surprise party for Cosmas at OAT HQ last Friday night and were so lucky to have many friends, supporters and prominent people in the conservation world. Guests included, Virginia McKenna founder of The Born Free Foundation, Cheryl & Manny Mvula founders of ZPP, Sport Beattie (CEO) and founder of Game Rangers International in Zambia and Melanie Shepherd of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

 

The morning after the party!

 Then…off to the Football!

The Big Night!

Last night was the TUSK Awards ceremony, a black tie event at the Claridges Hotel in London. It was an amazing evening. Cosmas didn’t win the award in his category, but honestly, it felt almost irrelevant.  They are all winners and we are all so proud of Cosmas. He is a very special man indeed!

Below is a picture of Cosmas meeting Prince William at Kensington Palace,  in the afternoon before the big event.

Event pictures!

 

WHAT A WEEK!!!