Probably the main reason I have so much respect and admiration for wildlife is because of the way different species have their own specialist roles in the web of life. The leopard is a fantastic example of this.
Watching Asa be what he is has been both a joy and a fascination. A big part of me sitting here writing this now would rather be up there with the young leopard, being part of his day. Doing that would however be disrespectful and purpose defeating. The leopard is primarily a solitary animal. The balance that Asa and I have now, when we meet on the days I do food drops, it seems to be working well. Our connection is very much based on respect and for me trying to improve my knowledge, specializing and improving.
I have the same respect for people who try and do something very well, sticking to what they know and improving on it. These people make the best team players because they perform their key roles for the greater good, they don't pretend to know what they don't, they have pride and respect in their own skill base because of others who have done the striving before them.
In a recent email out to a group of supporters I wrote that I have never met a leopard that tried to be a bear. The leopard simply concentrates on being the best leopard it can be.
Surely that is a great example to us all. When Asa and I had our vulture encounter two days ago we were privileged enough to see their world close up. Observing Asa learning and understanding the instincts of the vultures, seeing the leopard react accordingly, it was nature at its finest.
It was the way the world is supposed to be. Do what you know and do it well. Let the rest take care of itself in the control of other specialists... the way a leopard does... cheers Jack.
