In October 2015, I joined forces with Amy Dickman to host an invitation-only art show in Houston, Texas. Amy has garnered global recognition for her work in Tanzania to protect carnivore populations. Her program works with local Maasai tribesmen to transform their tradition of killing lions as a rite of passage into manhood. Instead, the young Maasai warriors adopt and protect a lion. In 2014, Amy won an award from Britain’s Prince Philip for her work to save more than 200 lions each year through her programs.
The Houston art show was a wonderful opportunity for folks to meet Amy personally and learn about her projects in Africa. My artwork raised more than $37,000 that night, with the funds divided between my Art of Animals organization and Amy’s Ruaha Carnivore project. The proceeds allowed Amy to buy a new, state-of-the-art solar power system for her facility in Tanzania.
The next night, Amy was one of four featured lion researchers at the Houston Zoo’s benefit dinner, which raised funds to help conserve diminishing lion populations.
