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The Conversation

Factual: Life Stories

Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: Women saving lions and bears

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Shivani Bhalla and Louisa Willcox

Women saving lions and bears

BBC World Service - The Conversation, Women saving lions and bears

Two women fighting for endangered carnivores in Kenya and the US

Protecting lions in Kenya and grizzly bears in the US - two women tell Kim Chakanetsa about their experiences and achievements in the male-dominated field of wildlife conservation.

When Shivani Bhalla realised that lions - her country's national symbol - were in trouble, she established a project in northern Kenya to protect them.  She works with the whole community to prevent lion deaths. This includes the traditional Samburu women, who are leading their own conservation efforts under the title of Mama Simba, which means Mother of Lions.

Louisa Willcox has spent the last three decades battling to protect the grizzly bear population in the US.  In 2018 she helped get the bears back onto the endangered species list, meaning that planned trophy hunts on state lands had to be cancelled.  There are around 700 grizzlies left in the Greater Yellowstone area, and Louisa says the females count the most, because they hold the key to recovery.

L-Background image: Lion Credit: Ewaso Lions
L-Image: Shivani Bhalla  Credit: Nina Fascione
R-Image: Louisa Willcox  Credit: Louisa Willcox
R-Background image: Grizzly bear Credit: Richard Spratley

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