Jo Symon

Award winning bear artist and lover of nature

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

First time I have ever seen an otter fully out of the water. This one was on the wetlands in Wales when we went for the Bufflehead. What a treat!

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

Great to see the Bufflehead in Wales on our way home from Hampshire on Monday

[dominic dyer @domdyer70]

Such an incredibly sad loss to the world and especially to the world of conservation and elephants!

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Save the Elephants’ founder, Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, aged 83, who passed away peacefully as the sun set in Nairobi last night.

Iain dedicated his life to understanding and protecting Africa’s elephants. At just 23, he pioneered the first scientific study of the social behavior of wild elephants in Lake Manyara, Tanzania. He revealed the depth of their intelligence, family bonds, and emotional lives, transforming how the world sees these remarkable animals. He never lost his lifelong curiosity with what was happening inside the minds of one of our planet’s most intriguing creatures.

Iain exposed the scale of the ivory crisis, helping drive global action against poaching, and later founded Save the Elephants to protect elephants through science, innovation, and community partnerships. His vision, courage, and compassion changed the course of elephant conservation.

Today, his legacy lives on in every elephant that walks safely across Africa’s landscapes and in all who continue the work he inspired. Never was Iain happier than when sitting with a young scientist studying maps of elephant tracks. He catalysed and supported countless careers in research and conservation, both from Africa and all over the world. “Iain changed the future not just for elephants, but for countless people around the world. His courage, determination and rigour inspired everyone he met. Whether sitting quietly among elephants, poring over maps of their movements or circling above a herd in his beloved aircraft, that glint in his eye was there. He never lost his lifelong curiosity with what was happening inside the minds of one of our planet’s most intriguing creatures,” said Frank Pope, CEO of Save the Elephants and Iain’s son-in-law.

Iain, together with his wife Oria, inspired his daughters Saba and Dudu to devote their own lives to working for nature. He leaves behind six grandchildren, each of whom dreams of following his example in one way or another. The family kindly requests privacy during this difficult time. Read more via the link in bio.

📸 Indianapolis Zoo

[Niall Harbison @NiallHarbison]

Just little Stormzy enjoying all the sights and sounds on his first road trip ever.

He says it feels good to be alive ❤️

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@Matt_Pinner YES!

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

Eastern Black Redstart from 27 November 25. The first of this race I have ever seen

[Protect the Wild @ProtectTheWild_]

Make these 'men' famous. Richard Smith of the South Durham Hunt strikes the horse twice in 20 seconds. Whilst huntmaster Rob Wilkinson seems to be smiling in the background.

Filmed by the brilliant NE Hunt Monitors

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

Great views of this Eastern Black Redstart today in St Mary's churchyard Scarborough.

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@Yorkyman @FlamboroughBird @nybirdnews @BirdGuides @RareBirdAlertUK Yes!

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

I found my first Northern Bullfinch today, what a beauty!

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

Bit of a hike along the beach at Spurn today but definitely worth the effort for this Black Faced Bunting 🙂

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

The very confiding Dotterel near Sheffield today

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@milomantis Yes indeed

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

My first Bedstraw Hawkmoth and in my own garden this morning. Planting for wildlife is paying off 🙂

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@Photos2Print Thanks

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@JeffHiggott Thanks Jeff

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

@DanaGreenThumb Thanks 🙂

[Jo Symon @joxybears]

Another 2 tick day on Friday! Collared Pratincole at RSPB Frampton Marsh then the Savi's Warbler at Rimac...what a great day