In our time at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park we have had two game drives and a bush walk. We have seen the spectacular Big Five multiple times over – elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and water buffalo.

However, the real magic is not only the Big 5 – it is in the balance of all the species in a community. Today we also sat behind a bird blind at Lake Panic where we saw acacia trees, kingfishers, blue waxbills, an African fish eagle, Retz’s helmetshrikes, an Egyptian goose, water monitors, nyala, impalas, a warthog, and too many hippos to count. 

“In nature nothing exists alone.” – Rachel Carson

With at least 40 species in just an hour, our checklists were on fire! 

After the bird blind we went back to camp and were asked to write about anything for 45-minutes. One of our African-American colleagues wrote, “I know as an American I have more, but here in South Africa …. I have never felt so free.”

Hearing her share this took us by surprise. It made us reflect not only on what she is experiencing personally, but how our students may feel at home. What if every teacher and every child felt they belong? Imagine how they would flourish and contribute to a better North Carolina.  

In Kruger National Park the African fish eagleneeds the lake and the hippo shapes the land.  Nothing is superfluous, everyone is needed for the system to thrive.