In 1999, I was working 80 hours a week for a high-tech start-up. That year, on a belated honeymoon, I fulfilled a life-long dream to take an African Safari. On the last day of that trip, I spent an afternoon watching four elephants play and interact at Ele Camp in Zimbabwe. I was completely mesmerized and awed by their grace, intelligence, gentle power, and affection for each other. They were so present with me that I couldn’t help but feel that I was making new friends. That moment opened my eyes to the connection of all living beings — it was the beginning of my journey into wildlife photography and advocacy.