Amy Vedder studying mountain gorillas.

For me, wildlife perfectly embodies the wonder, whimsy, and charisma of wild  places. To encounter a wild animal in a wild place pulls me quickly and deeply into the natural world — a world I notice because of the presence of another live creature in the midst. I’ve looked into the deep, brown, understanding eyes of a mountain gorilla, seen pronghorns spring through sagebrush, and been entertained by hooded merganser ducks and their precise courtship displays. Each time, I feel privileged to be a part of their same world. Read more