A Family Legacy of Conservation; From Africa to Naples Part 3 of 3

Tim Tetzlaff

By Tim Tetzlaff

Growing up as the son of zoo founders, my first safari was scheduled in 1972 with my parents, known to most as Jungle Larry and Safari Jane. But circumstances kept me home while my father hosted that trip, calling me from the rim of Tanzania’s famed Ngorongoro Crater.

While my mother remains an avid conservationist, I lost my father in 1984, so when I finally saw the Crater for myself years later, the view was blurry with tears. It’s truly rewarding to now follow in his footsteps serving as Director of Conservation for Naples Zoo and leading our safaris.

Though I didn’t set foot in Africa until later in life, I’ve been making up for lost time—now spending about a month and a half each year on the continent.

East Africa, and especially Tanzania, have always captured my imagination. It’s the landscape of classic films and documentaries and the place where I’m privileged to co-host safaris with long-time friends and colleagues.

These journeys bring you into the company of my friends, award-winning scientists with long-term ties to Naples Zoo. It’s like having a TED Talk and a nature documentary come to life, then sitting next to you for drinks at sundown to share stories.

But these trips aren’t for everyone. My advice? Decide what you want from a safari. First-time travelers often want to see as much as possible; others prefer to dig deep and savor one extraordinary place. Most importantly, choose a safari that truly fits you.

If you’re a photographer, book a trip designed for patience and that perfect shot. And remember, every safari is unique. If you fixate on one “must-see” experience, you can miss being awed at all that nature offers. And while safaris are magical, it’s the real world. Always follow the guidelines to stay safe.

Next year, I’m offering two chartered flying safaris. In Kenya, I’ll be joined by Dr. Arthur Muneza, East Africa Coordinator for Giraffe Conservation Foundation, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor and finishing in the Masai Mara. In Tanzania, Dr. Lal Lichtenfeld, CEO of African People &Wildlife, and I will co-host our third safari together, exploring the stunning but little-known Mkomazi National Park, then up to our rhino work in Ngorongoro, and on to Serengeti’s wildebeest on the Tanzanian side of the Mara River, before heading to Tarangireto see Laly’s team in action.

We meet ahead of time to answer all your questions and enjoy a wonderful reunion a few months afterwards.

If you’d like to learn more, email me at tim@napleszoo.org