Katherine Spencer works with lions in Zimbabwe

By Lizzy Tsuang
Circulation Editor

Instead of peering through locked gates to see lions at a zoo, senior Katherine Spencer had the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the ferocious animals in their habitat.

Spencer worked on the Lion Rehabilitation and Conservation Project in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe over the summer where she raised several three-month-old orphaned lion cubs and helped them develop wildlife skills, such as stalking prey, a strong sense of smell, and hearing, in order to prepare them for survival in the wild.

“The best part was experiencing the lions in a non-touristy way,” Spencer said. “I gained so much appreciation for the beauty of these wild animals and how much they really need help. Just knowing that I did something to contribute to the cause makes me happy.”

Spencer volunteered through African Impact, a travel organization that specializes in volunteer tourism in Southern and Katherine Spencer works with lions in Zimbabwe Eastern Africa. Working in collaboration with other conservation organizations such as the African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (ALERT), the African Impact offers a wide range of both community and conservation projects to prevent lion extinction and further educate locals about living in close proximity to African Lions. Other projects include Tanzania Dolphin Research or Kenya Child Development.

“It was well-organized and the people were welcoming,” Spencer said. “The projects are enriching because you can see things from a different perspective and get a chance to know incredible animals.”

In order to mimic the lions’ natural growth, Spencer walked the animals around their natural habitat, crafted toys out of grass, and hid food in trees to mimic normal hunting activity.

“They are such beautiful creatures and need respect in order for them to respect you,” Spencer said. “We were taught how to approach the animals, where to pet them and how to handle the situation so they feel comfortable. By the time I left, I was connected
with the little ones.”

Spencer had a fascination with animals from an early age, inciting her involvement in wildlife conservation projects.

“She’s been passionate about animals since she was born,” mother Colette Spencer said. “Katherine has always gravitated toward animals of all descriptions: dogs, rabbits, cats. She gained a huge amount of self-reliance on the trip, and I think it’s wonderful that she was able to pursue one of her passions while engrossing herself in a different world.”

According to Spencer, spending time in a foreign country taught her to value life above material objects. She was more grateful for her own conditions after seeing other people’s circumstances.

“It’s easy to get caught up in our lives and trivial problems here in Manhattan Beach,” Spencer said. “In Zimbabwe, I gained insight by living in another country with a culture that’s completely different from what I’m used to.”

Spencer might pursue her love of wildlife conservation and ecology in college. She hopes to maintain the carefree and optimistic Zimbabwe lifestyle while volunteering on more conservation projects.

“This trip has certainly encouraged me to explore colleges abroad and given me a lot of independence,” Spencer said. “I also plan on continuing to participate in animal conservation volunteering projects.”