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A lioness rests in a tree in
Tarangire National Park.
Photo Credit: Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld.

A Beer at Bayfront that

Saved Lions

Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld, CEO and A single Living Wall like this can save Tetzlaff and APW’s Human-Wildlife
Co-Founder of African People half a dozen lions a year from retaliatory Conflict Program Officer Elvis
and Wildlife, helping to install killing. Photo Credit: Felipe Rodriguez. Kisimir with the owner of a Living
a Living Wall. Wall. Kisimir is the leader of
innovative Living Walls project and
by Tim L. Tetzlaff, a respected Maasai moran (warrior)
Naples Zoo Director of Conservation within the community.

t’s September 3, 2014 and I’m driving down Goodlette Road retaliatory killings of half a dozen lions or more. In response, Laly
to join National Geographic Explorer Dr. Luke Dollar for worked directly with communities to craft a more successful practice
Idinner at Bayfront. Amidst casually catching up on each that also respects traditional culture.
other’s travels, he pauses. He’s got something good. “Do you want When Luke describes the Living Wall, it’s brilliant in its simplicity.
to know the project I found getting the most bang for the buck Branches of living Commiphora trees are harvested. A furrow is dug
out there?” When the Program Director for National Geographic in a circle and the branches are planted in the dry season. Chain link
Society’s Big Cats Initiative asks this, there’s only one response. I is then secured around this corral. When the rains start, the branches
order myself another drink as I first hear the name ‘Laly’ spoken. burst into life and this impenetrable barrier just grows stronger over
Just like knowing Hamlet’s father is dead is foundational to time instead of degrading like the typical thorn corrals. Each requires a
understanding Shakespeare’s tragic play, so is comprehending that $500 contribution by those of us who want a future for lions and a cost
over three-quarters of cat species are threatened by the challenges share of cash and labor from the community.
of human and wildlife coexistence. Predators pressed by shrinking But here was Luke’s kicker. In a ten-year study, Living Walls were
habitats and prey availability expand beyond their natural quarry found to be 99.9% effective preventing attacks. The predators can’t get
and herders who depend on livestock often retaliate by killing the in, so they stop coming. That removes the motivation to kill lions. With
offenders. It’s the frontline of conservation – as well as our topic that profound return on investment, Naples Zoo began supporting
that Wednesday night. African People and Wildlife as one of its long-term partners. It’s pure
As I sip, Luke tells me about Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld. She’s one joy to show travelers a Living Wall on our safaris and to share the work
of those all-in leaders. Laly lives permanently in Tanzania, is a of extraordinary people like Laly with you.
National Geographic Explorer and the recipient of numerous That wasn’t the last meal with Luke that has led to great things. But
prestigious accolades, as well as being the CEO and co-founder those stories are for another time.
African People and Wildlife (APW). She even spent three years Join Naples Zoo on safari with Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld
living in the bush in a tent atop a Land Rover. But what was so Speaking of meals, over lunch a few months ago in Tanzania, Laly
efficient that prompted Luke’s praise? That’s when I first hear and I chatted about co-hosting a safari. Plans aligned perfectly and
about ‘Living Walls.’ Naples Zoo is offering the rare opportunity for just 6 couples to travel
For context, traditional Maasai dead acacia thorn walls are with the two of us this October. If a no-compromise safari is on your
imperfect in protecting livestock. One study showed predators wishlist, explore this custom-crafted itinerary at
attacked the average community fifty times a year resulting in www.napleszoo.org/travel.

Life in Naples | February 2023 27