Photography by Emma Alexander
As a child, Lillien Jones (BYU ’28) loved the wild animals that wandered into her backyard—deer, coyotes, rabbits, and hawks—and visited Hogle Zoo whenever she could. Then, while taking a zoology class in high school, she expanded her passion from observing animals to studying them and realized she wanted to pursue a career in wildlife science.
Now at BYU, Jones studies wildlife and conservation with a desire to see animals in their natural habitat. She recently returned from a study abroad trip to Southern Africa (Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa) where she was able to explore wildlife and learn about efforts to protect their environment.
The trip changed the way Jones thought about conservation goals. AfriCat AfriCat works to save big cats like leopards and cheetahs from farmers in Namibia. These cats devour farmers’ livestock, destroying their livelihoods. AfriCat works to minimize conflict by managing the Okonjima Nature Reserve and teaching farmers sustainable farming practices. Jones was inspired by AfriCat’s efforts. “It’s an environmental issue, but it’s also a very human issue,” Jones mused. “Conservation means you have to work with and through the community. You can’t work against the community. We have to have empathy and work together to develop solutions.”
Photography by Kristina Berman
To deal with conservation, you have to work with the community. You can't work against them. You have to have empathy and work together to find solutions.
Lilian Jones
Photography by Lillien Jones
On their various safari trips, Jones and her companions saw a number of animals, some expected and some unexpected. Jones’ favorites were the black and white rhinos she saw in Namibia’s Etosha National Park. She was thrilled to spot six of them in their natural habitat from their safari van. Animals like honey badgers, chameleons, flamingos, and jackals in Namibia’s desert regions were a surprise she hadn’t anticipated. She also loved identifying the different species of antelope and impala in each country.
With each new animal sighting, her appreciation for God’s creations grew. “It was amazing to see natural beauty that was different than what we have back home and to see God’s hand in it,” Jones said. “This trip also made me appreciate my country more and the beauty there, just as much as it did there.”
Talking to the guides gave her a better understanding of the impact of climate change on sub-Saharan Africa. Some areas are getting more rain than expected and others are experiencing extreme drought. This drastic change in climate is affecting both people and wildlife. “They don’t know how to prepare and they don’t have the infrastructure, so they’re being hit harder than us,” Jones said.
Photography by Lillen Jones
Jones is grateful to the donors who provided her with experiential learning scholarships that helped fund this trip. “I always dreamed of being able to see incredible places and incredible animals, but I never got to do it. It’s not something I planned on doing with the resources,” Jones said. Without their support, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study abroad and learn more about wildlife conservation. The experience opened Jones’ eyes and solidified her desire to become a wildlife veterinarian.
